Explains the importance of grants to libraries and describes the evolution of a grant in Washington State that was written to develop and fund early childhood programs. Discusses the role of public and tribal libraries; training for library staff; steering committee; statewide partnerships; community partnerships; and planning workshops. (LRW)

Examines public library and school library cooperation based on a history of public libraries. Highlights include the development of school libraries and standards; cooperation versus combination; shared library collections; relationships with college libraries; funding; and shared resources at the state level. (LRW)

Provides an overview and examples of efforts by the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Library Development and Services (DLDS) to increase collaborative benefits among agencies and groups targeting the youngest users. The "It's Never Too Early" public awareness campaign is designed to connect parents/caregivers of…

Describes the Florida Born To Read (BTR) program, a statewide early literacy program that has grown from 10 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funded pilot projects in 1998-99 to include LSTA and locally funded programs in more than one-third of Florida's 67 counties in 2001-02. Sidebars list topics and presenters at BTR Capacity Building…