About

Grant awarded to the MSJ Library

--by Ruth Monnier, Head of Research and Instructional Services

MSJ librarians, faculty members Megan Dinnesen (and her SPR 345 class) and Liz Mason successfully collaborated to apply for a State Library of Ohio’s Celebrating Ohio Book Awards & Authors (COBAA) grant. The funds from this grant allowed the library to purchase copies and additional copies of physical books for the circulating collections. Some of the books purchased were selected by SPR 345 students who are pre-service educators to expand the Exceptionalities Collection. This was a unique hands-on experience with grant work for SPR 345 students. In their own words, here is what a couple of the SPR 345 students had to say about their experience: 

“I am so grateful to be included in this valuable experience working with grants that many pre-service teachers don’t encounter until they are in the field. It makes my heart so happy knowing that children and college students with and without exceptionalities can read these important diverse books.” Cierra VanDermark, MSJ Class of 2026 and 

“I felt like this was a simple process that ended as a huge success. The books all seemed different and interesting in their own way. I just finished my first book from the collection and I want to read more.” Skylar Fletcher, MSJ Class of 2026

Other purchased books were graphic novels, such as Kent State, Call Me Iggy, Six Days in Cincinnati, and They Called Us Enemy. These titles expanded the library’s circulating graphic novel collection. ENG 276 - The 20th-century graphic novel course and Writer’s Block viewed and interacted with a selection of these new books through a Graphic Novel Petting Zoo in late March. Additionally, some Spanish translations of these titles were purchased. Come explore and borrow these new materials! 

Don’t take our word for it, listen to these SPR 345 students - 

• “Far from the Tree - it tells a very good story … and talks about the different perspectives from families”
• Izzy, Willy-Nilly - is a book, “we can relate to”
• Wonder by RJ Palacio - “it is an amazing book!” 
  • Please note that Wonder is available in English and Spanish.

About the COBAA Grant:

The Celebrating Ohio Book Awards & Authors (COBAA) is LSTA grant program that supports collection development and collection-related program initiatives for their communities. The COBAA grant enables libraries to purchase books by Ohio authors as well as books recognized by Ohio-based book award programs. Since 2016, the COBAA grant initiative has provided funds to help libraries expand collections and support literacy by connecting Ohio readers to Ohio authors and Ohio book award winners. 

LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) program is funded through the independent federal agency IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) via their Grants to States program. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. IMLS 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.