ALIA Online Storytime grants for public libraries – apply now

Canberra, 11 October 2021: Public libraries that participated in the ALIA Online Storytime program in 2021/22 can now apply for grants that will help to expand the reach of the program thanks to Australian Government funding.

Libraries can apply for amounts ranging up to $10,000 that can be used for anything to support the delivery of library Online Storytimes. This may include purchasing props, hiring an Auslan interpreter, or technical training for library staff or contributors.  The Online Storytime pilot program started in January 2021 and allowed participating libraries to make short videos of picture book readings to post on social media accounts, such as library Facebook groups or administered YouTube channels. It was developed to meet a growing need for online content during lockdowns and to help mitigate the risk of copyright infringement, while also giving publishers a return.

ALIA CEO Sue McKerracher says, ‘This program is such a great way for communities to stay connected to their libraries, explore Australian children’s literature and develop early literacy skills. It has been such a success, with the number of libraries participating surpassing all estimates, and feedback from their communities being extremely positive. The Australian Government has recognised this success by generously providing a grant to make it even bigger for 2022.’

The Australian Government awarded the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) a Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund grant to support the expansion of Online Storytime in Australia. As part of this grant there is now $100,000 in smaller grants to libraries for expenditure between October 2021 and December 2022.

There are two grant rounds. Up to $80,000 will be available in the first round and $20,000 in the second. Round 1 applications open on 11 October and close on 17 December. Successful applicants will be announced on or before 10 January. Round 2 applications open on 7 February and close on 25 March. Successful applicants will be announced on or before 11 April.