Information about CE Grants from the Washington State Library has been updated to reflect changes to the CE Grant process and criteria. The primary changes for 2009 include the use of substitute time and out of country travel. For specific information on the new CE Grant information, please visit http://www.secstate.wa.gov/library/libraries/training/continuEd.aspx.

Remember that CE Grants are available to individuals and organizations to support CE and Training opportunities that connect to the six federal LSTA priorities and have a direct benefit to the end user. Applications for workshops, preconferences and other CE events are due 30 days prior to the event.

Under the provisions of the CE Grant Program, events must fit within at least one of the six LSTA goals which are:

• Expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages;
• Develop library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks;
• Provide electronic and other linkages between and among all types of libraries;
• Develop public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations;
• Target library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; and
• Target library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children from families with incomes below the poverty line.

Upcoming events that may be eligible for CE Grants include the following:

Serving Diverse Populations (WLA preconference in Spokane)

Evaluating Your Library’s Collection (WLA preconference in Spokane)

Understanding the Mysteries of the Teen-age Brain & Programming for Teens in Your Library

(various locations and dates throughout the state)

Enhancing Literacy Through Art & Discover the Great Masters (May 16 in Ellensburg, WA)