Νέα & Δωρεές News & Grants - Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center related grantsThe decision to support the building of the new National Libraryof Greece (NLG) was motivated in part by the desire to bequeathto the country a modernized public institution with an expandedfocus and role, and in part by the understanding of thetransformational potential of such a project. Thus, the fundingof the construction of the new NLG is consistent not only withthe Foundation’s goals of supporting education, but also withits philosophy to employ projects of such size in order tomotivate transformational changes at a much larger scale.However, as significant as it may be, the new NLG simply can’ton its own change either the state of irrelevance and neglectthat characterizes most of Greece’s public libraries today orthe public’s indifference towards the role of libraries as importantpublic institutions. But, the building of the new NLG can certainlymotivate a debate about the role of public libraries as vitalinstitutions, and also can instigate significant changes at anational level that could radically alter the way public librariesoperate in Greece today, and reinforce their central role asessential community resources.In line with its vision of the new NLG as a transformativeinstitution, and also with its commitment to projects that arefar-reaching and encompassing, the Foundation has approvedtwo grants in this period related to libraries and their programs.The first, a grant to the non-profit organization Future Library(www.futurelibrary.gr), supports a study aimed at documentingthe current state of public and municipal libraries in Greece, andthe preparation of a plan and proposals for actions to improvethem. The Program’s vision is to place public/municipal librariesat the very center of local societies, which they serve as the solesource of knowledge and vitality. This is a long-term project that aims to significantly improve the state of public librariesin Greece, revitalize their role as critical public institutions andenhance their services to reflect the needs of society today, withthe goal of significantly increasing the number of library usersbetween now and 2015, when the NLG will be relocated to itsnew premises at the SNFCC.The second grant is directed towards the Veria Central PublicLibrary (recipient of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 2010Access to Learning Award), and it intends to help the Libraryfurther implement its already significant educational programsand enhance its presence. The grant will allow the Library, overa period of three years, to establish innovative educationalprograms that will benefit not only its users, but also the usersof libraries in the surrounding region, with which the Veria Librarycollaborates closely. Programs such as summer activities oncreativity and learning, the organization of a Technology Monthin rural communities, and the establishment of adult programs onentrepreneurship and personal development can help revitalizelocal communities, and also provide a vital service at a time ofa severe financial and social crisis.To view the first episode of the ERT documentary series Κιβωτός.gr, on the Veria Central Public Library, please visit our website,www.SNF.org.Veria Central Public Library4243