>  A primary focus of grantmaking at the Institute of Museum and Library
> Services is supporting libraries and museums in their role as community
> resources.   In the past week, we have heard stories from museums and
> libraries throughout the United States that underscore their importance as
> centers for community engagement and support. If you have a story to tell
> about a museum or library that has responded to our national crises in
> some special way, we would like to hear from you.
>
> Using their special expertise to listen to communities and respond to
> their needs, many of our museums and libraries are taking special action.
> These responses include providing a safe haven where individuals and
> families can connect with others, offering resources that give context for
> understanding for children and adults, or providing environments where
> people may retreat into work, beauty, literature, entertainment, projects
> or hobbies.
>
> Libraries and museums have responded with other services as well:
> developing lists of ways to contribute to relief efforts; establishing
> list serves to help communities come together, and providing spaces for
> civic engagement as well as contemplation.
>
> Perhaps most importantly we have heard that an open museum or library is a
> reassuring sign of normalcy and a stabilizing force in communities across
> the country.
>
> We would like to be able to highlight ways in which libraries and museums
> have responded.  Please send your responses to Mamie Bittner, Director of
> Legislative and Public Affairs at [log in to unmask]
>
> Mamie Bittner
> Director of Legislative and Public Affairs
> 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
> Suite 510
> Washington, DC  20506
> 202-606-8339
> 202-606-8591 (fax)
> [log in to unmask]
>
>

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