Assistance Programs > LEAP

Library Electronic Access Project (LEAP)

In the last two years, 55 Internet centers have been opened in public libraries throughout Ukraine as part of the Library Electronic Access Project (LEAP) of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy. The goal of the program is to provide public libraries with free public access to the Internet and to support the free and open exchange of information that is essential for Ukraine's integration with the world community.

The U.S. government has devoted over $1,000,000 to improving Ukrainian citizens' access to information by opening free Internet centers in public libraries. As part of this project, libraries have received grants up to $24,000 for computer equipment, software, Internet access, and training. The project, which lasts for two years, also aims to train librarians in the latest technology for providing readers with electronic resources. The training of library personnel is carried out by the Center for Continuing Library and Information Science Education of the Ukrainian Library Association, which was created as part of the State Academy for Administrators of Culture and Art.

Over 220 libraries took part in the LEAP I and II grant competitions, of which 45 were chosen to host Internet centers.

On December 18, 2002, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine announced the LEAP III grant competition. Applications for LEAP III centers will be accepted from public libraries in the Odesa, Zaporizhzhya, Kirovohrad, and Zhytomyr Oblasts until February 20.

Please click here for more information and an application.

Complete Information Pack (MS Word Format)

LEAP-III Program Announcement (Adobe Acrobat PDF- format)