School Library Grant Deadline Nears

By Staff -- School Library Journal, 5/1/2004

Run, don't walk to your keyboard —the deadline for Improving Literacy Through School Library grants is fast approaching.

The U.S. Department of Education program provides school libraries nationwide with close to $20 million to improve student reading skills and academic achievement. The money can be used to update library collections, expand Internet connections, and purchase new technology. School libraries can even use it to extend their library hours and provide professional development for media specialists.

Individual grants range from $30,000 to $350,000, and the average size grant is $100,000. Actual award amounts will be based on the number of schools and students the grants serve. In order to qualify, districts must have at least 20 percent or more of their students from families with incomes below the poverty line. The department strongly encourages elementary schools to apply. For more grant information and an application, visit www.ed.gov/programs/lsl/applicant.html. Hurry, the deadline is May 20, 2004.