Staff report

NILES — The McKinley Memorial Library has been awarded a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services LSTA grant by the State Library of Ohio.

The grant will cover 75% ($1,069) of two of its biggest family events of the summer. The library will only need to pay the remaining 25% ($356), which will come out of its programming budget.

Part of the grant will help fund the Summer Reading Kickoff with Pony Time Ranch and Petting Zoo, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. This program will allow children to interact with and learn about a variety of animals, including goats, ducks and rabbits.

The grant also will help cover the cost of the Summer Reading Finale with Moonstone Mining Company, 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 1. This event will give participants hands-on experience panning for and identifying gems that they may keep after the program ends.

The library is grateful for the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services as well as the State Library of Ohio.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. They advance, support and empower America’s museums, libraries and related organizations through grantmaking, research and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage, according to the IMLS website.

According to its website, the State Library of Ohio is “a state agency that serves state government, all types of libraries and residents. The vision of the State Library of Ohio is a Smarter Ohio where Ohioans of all ages access the necessary resources to be engaged residents, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, expand their knowledge, and pursue their passions and interests.” Its mission is to “inspire and support literacy and lifelong learning for all Ohioans through access to information, strengthening of communities and support of exceptional library services.”