Apply for Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Grants Now
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By SLJ Staff -- School Library Journal, 01/21/2009
It’s that time of the year again. The U.S. Department of Education’s Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program is now accepting grant applications.
But remember, individual librarians and schools aren’t eligible to apply for the federal program, which provides funding to public school libraries in districts with 20 percent or more families living in poverty.
Only public school districts, charter schools, or state-administered schools that are considered local school districts by their State Educational Agency can apply. And when they do, they must do so using the U.S. Federal Government's www.grants.gov applications procedure.
Applicants can download the application package before registering. On the www.grants.gov home page, click on “Apply for Grants,” then click on "Step 1 Download a Grant Application Package." At “CFDA Number” type in “84.364” and then click on "Download Package." A recent version of Adobe Reader is required. It’s also necessary to send in applications at least three days before the closing date of the competition, since it can take that long to process the application.
Full application packages are available at www.ed.gov/programs/lsl under "Applicant Info," and this page also contains information on how to register for free technical assistance conference calls.
Don’t forget, it’s also important that all applicants register early, since the registration process on www.grants.gov can take between 7 to 10 days to complete. And even those who have already registered must make sure that their information is up-to-date.
Now in its eighth year, the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program is designed to improve student literacy skills and academic achievement by providing schools with up-to-date library materials and ensuring that media centers are staffed by state-certified school library media specialists.
This year, approximately $18.5 million will be available for funding, and an estimated 80 grants will be awarded. Funds can be used to update library collections, expand Internet connections, purchase new technology, provide professional development for media specialists, and extend school library hours.
More information about this program can be found on the program's Web site.
The deadline for grant applications is Friday, March 6, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. EST.
Email Irene Harwarth, Team Leader for the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program at irene.harwarth@ed.gov with any questions.
