The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce the availability of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds for a second round of Choose To Read Ohio proposals in 2012.

Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO), a project of the State Library, was initiated in 2009 and has one main goal: to encourage the reading of books together across Ohio communities.  CTRO is a framework to spotlight Ohio authors and promote reading across the state. The State Library, in partnership with Ohioana Library, developed this initiative to encourage Ohioans of all ages to share literature by authors native to, residing in, or associated with Ohio.

Choose to Read Ohio encourages Ohioans to Read Together, Read Ohio, and Read for Life.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant program will provide funds to libraries to implement a Choose to Read Ohio program in their community using one of the 2011-2012 CTRO titles.

The Request for Proposal and other documents to assist with preparing the application can be found at: http://library.ohio.gov/lpd/choose-read-ohio-special-grant.    Information on the Choose To Read Ohio program can be found at:  http://oh.webjunction.org/ohctrointro.

A maximum of $10,000 in federal funds may be requested.  A cash match of 25% of the total project amount is required.

Proposals are due electronically to Missy Lodge at mlodge@library.ohio.gov by midnight on April 1, 2012.  Approved proposals will run from July 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.