Recognizing the key role museums and libraries play in sparking early learning, the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced Friday that it will provide up to $2 million in grants over the next two years to advance the mission of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

The grants will support collaboration between libraries, museums, and community organizations working to promote learning for children from birth to age 8. Libraries and museums will be encouraged to tackle at least one of the challenges identified by the Campaign: school readiness, summer learning loss, and chronic absence.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.