Pioneerland Library System Legacy Grant SFY 2018 - SFY 2019
Minnesota's twelve regional library systems, which encompass more than 350 public libraries in all areas of the state, can benefit from a portion of the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Through State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, each regional library system is eligible to receive a formula-driven allocation from the annual $2.5 million Minnesota Regional Library System Legacy Grant. Pioneerland Library System (PLS) is a consolidated regional public library system in west central Minnesota. PLS has thirty-two branch libraries located in nine counties: Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Swift, and Yellow Medicine. With Arts and Cultural Heritage funds, PLS and its member libraries present an array of arts, cultural, literary, and Minnesota history programs in collaboration with arts and cultural organizations, independent artists, historical societies, and community organizations. Projects contribute to the cultural vitality of the region and build a lasting legacy.
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds must be allocated using the formulas in Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, with the remaining 25 percent to be distributed to all qualifying systems in an amount proportionate to the number of qualifying system entities in each system. For purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying system entity" means a public library, a regional library system, a regional library system headquarters, a county, or an outreach service program. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. These funds must be distributed in ten equal payments per year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the appropriations encumbered on or before June 30, 2019, as grants or contracts in this subdivision are available until June 30, 2021.
Total number of projects: 44
Total number of programs and/or events (if different than total number of projects): 101
Total attendance/participation: 4371
Total number of partnerships: 78
Brimming with catchy songs and engaging stories that bring renowned musician Siama Matuzungidi's rural Congolese culture to life, this hands-on family program encourages everyone to sing happy music, play fun shakers and have a ball dancing to Siama's music - all the while learning about the rich Congolese culture, Siama's boyhood growing up in Africa, and his family. This charming show is especially for kids but was enjoyed by all ages.
This program was a regional tour with Siama and Dallas providing programs in 26 Pioneerland communities over a two-week span. A total of 760 people attended this program. Reviews for this program were overwhelmingly positive. Attendees enjoyed the geography lessons, the stories of Siama's village and the music which was so prominent in the lives of everyone.
A sample of the positive comments include:
"I learned more about Africa in an hour that I was taught in school."
"I very much enjoyed the music and the warm personalities of Dallas and Siama. It was very interesting to learn about other cultures!"
"Fantastic music from a distant land is soulful and soothing to hear."
"I enjoyed the whole show, got to feel like a kid again singing along and using the shaker. Really like having world music experiences come to the library."
David LaRochelle - Author in Schools
Minnesota author/illustrator David LaRochelle spent three days visiting five area elementary/middle schools to talk with students about his writing process. During a typical one-hour presentation David talked about the various stages in writing a book, from rough draft to finished manuscript. David includes storytelling with on-the-spot drawing to make his presentation relevant to each different age group. Students and staff alike enjoyed his presentations. Students became inspired to write their own stories. This was a great opportunity for the students. Seeing a real author makes a writing career a reality for them. This was a wonderful inspiration for young readers and writers.
A total of 1,048 elementary and middle school students and teachers from five area schools attended this event. David possesses the unique gift of being able to tell a story and draw at the same time. This talent makes him exceptional at engaging students, allowing him to show them the possibilities in being a writer and storyteller.
A sample of the many positive comments:
"I love the opportunities we have had through the Legacy program - it connects kids with authors and fosters interest in reading."
"David captivated us from start to finish!"
"The students asked to take notebooks out for recess right after the presentation so they could write stories - and they have been writing and drawing every chance they get!"
These amounts are appropriated to the commissioner of education for grants to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems to provide educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota. These funds must be allocated using the formulas in Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, with the remaining 25 percent to be distributed to all qualifying systems in an amount proportionate to the number of qualifying system entities in each system. For purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying system entity" means a public library, a regional library system, a regional library system headquarters, a county, or an outreach service program. These funds may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries or to provide grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries. These funds must be distributed in ten equal payments per year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the appropriations encumbered on or before June 30, 2019, as grants or contracts in this subdivision are available until June 30, 2021.
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