WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Institute of Museum and Library Services has awarded Bates College a total of $249,760 through its National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. This award will support Bates’ expansion of the Diverse Book Finder, a repository for children’s books, and further the development of its analysis and search engine capabilities to identify racial representation gaps in children’s library collections.

“Libraries are repositories of knowledge, providing important educational resources for communities in Maine that help us all learn and grow,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “The Diverse Book Finder will help improve our understanding of the world and prepare students to live and thrive in today’s global society. We commend Bates for their efforts to advance this educational tool.”

The Diverse Book Finder furthers libraries’ efforts to foster intercultural competence and positive self-image among children and enhance their ability to succeed in our diverse world. As an online resource, this project has the potential to be accessible to librarians, educators, parents, and students worldwide. This grant will also fund training opportunities for Maine librarians through the Maine State Library.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services provides federal support to libraries and museums across the country with the goal of promoting innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic involvement.

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