The kickapoo tribe of oklahoma will enhance the kickapoo tribal library's services with an aim of improving digital access, strengthening educational programming, and supporting cultural…

The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma received a $150,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services program (CFDA 45.311), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The award supports comprehensive enhancement of the Kickapoo Tribal Library's operations and community services through three primary deliverables: (1) technology infrastructure upgrades, including public-use computers, tablets, and high-speed internet; (2) expansion of Kickapoo language and cultural collections through acquisition of books, digital media, and integration of traditional storytelling resources to advance language revitalization; and (3) implementation of cultural preservation initiatives, including archival best practices workshops, digitization efforts, and community engagement programs.

The project is designed to strengthen the tribal library's role as a community knowledge center by improving digital access to cultural and educational resources while supporting the preservation and transmission of Kickapoo heritage to present and future generations. The scope aligns with the Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants component of the IMLS program, which prioritizes digital service improvements, educational programming enhancements, and Native American culture and language preservation initiatives.

The kickapoo tribe of oklahoma will enhance the kickapoo tribal library's services with an aim of improving digital access, strengthening educational programming, and supporting cultural preservation initiatives to better serve the community. The library will upgrade technology infrastructure, including public-use computers, tablets, and high-speed internet. IT will expand kickapoo language and cultural collections, integrating books, digital media, and traditional storytelling to strengthen language revitalization efforts. IT will implement preservation initiatives, including workshops on archival best practices, digitization efforts, and community engagement programs to sustain cultural knowledge. By investing in the preservation and accessibility of cultural information, the kickapoo tribal library will serve as a lasting resource for the community, supporting both present and future generations in maintaining their heritage.