FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oneida Community Library Receives IMLS Native American Library Services Basic Grant
Award: NAB-259377-OLS-26
Oneida, Wis. — The Oneida Library Department is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Native American Library Services Basic Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support expanded access to culturally relevant resources and improvements to library spaces that serve the Oneida community.
The grant will help the library strengthen its collections with books, media, and learning materials that reflect Indigenous voices, support Oneida language revitalization, and promote culturally grounded learning. Funding will also be used to provide free book and media giveaways, helping reduce financial barriers and increase access to educational and recreational resources for community members of all ages.
Grant funding will support the purchase and distribution of Native-authored books, children’s materials, language-learning resources, audiobooks, DVDs, digital media, and video games. Additional funds will be used for cataloging supplies and modest space improvements, including furnishings, signage, and display areas that enhance the library’s ability to host programs, workshops, meetings, and cultural activities.
“This grant allows us to continue investing in resources that reflect the strengths, stories, and learning needs of the Oneida community,” said Eliza Skenandore, Library Director. “By expanding access to culturally relevant materials and improving community spaces, we can better support literacy, lifelong learning, and connections across generations.”
The project aligns with the library’s mission to provide free access to information, encourage literacy, and create welcoming environments for community learning. Through these enhancements, the Oneida Community Library will continue serving as a central hub for education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
For more information, contact:
Eliza S.M. Skenandore
Director, Oneida Community Library
920-869-2210
eskenan6@oneidanation.org
