"The winners, representing a broad spectrum of libraries – seven public, two school and one academic – will use the funds to develop and implement gaming and literacy programs that provide innovative gaming experiences for youths 10-18 years of age. The 10 libraries were selected out of 390 that applied for the grant.

"The following libraries were chosen:

• Anderson Public Library, Anderson, Ind.
• Brewster Ladies Library, Brewster, Mass.
• Cascade Middle School, Cascade, Wash.
• Henshaw Middle School Library, Anchorage School District, Anchorage, Alaska
• Indian Trails Public Library, Wheeling, Ill.
• Manhattanville College Library, Purchase, N.Y.
• San Pablo Library, San Pablo, Calif.
• Sewickley Public Library, Sewickley, Pa.
• Wayne Country Public Library, Goldsboro, N.C.
• Weber Country Library System, Ogden, Utah

“ 'These library gaming programs will help tweens and teens build 21st-Century literacy and learning skills,' said Dale Lipschultz, literacy officer with the ALA’s Office for Literacy and Outreach Services.

"The Libraries, Literacy and Gaming initiative is generously funded by the Verizon Foundation and managed by ALA’s Office for Literacy and Outreach Services. Dr. Scott Nicholson, an associate professor in the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, is the  evaluation specialist."

Bravo and congratulations, everyone, with props to the other 380 libraries who entered as well. I know some of you had genuinely awesome, amazing, innovative proposals too. I hope you will pursue some of these ideas and continue to bring the benefits of gaming to your public. Thank you for showing up and taking part!

Game on!