DOE Awards 57 School Library Grants
RSSBy Rocco Staino -- School Library Journal, 06/15/2009
Three hundred students at the Yukon Flats School District in rural Alaska, 11,000 students in 15 urban Chicago elementary schools, and 9,000 students in Waterbury, CT, are among the 57 low-income school districts across the country that’ll benefit from $18.5 million in federal grants from the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program.
Funded through the federal Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program, the grants are aimed at helping schools improve reading achievement by making sure students have fullu equipped school libraries headed by certified media specialists.
“Encouraging students to improve their reading is a key to their success in school and in life," says Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “These grants help schools give students access to the most up-to-date books, technology, and highly trained library personnel to improve teaching and learning and to challenge students to achieve."
The grants can be used to buy books and other library materials; improve technology; provide professional development for library personnel; boost collaborative efforts with teachers; and expand library hours.
While Oklahoma received the most grants with eight, major U.S. cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angles were noticeably absent from the list. In all, 24 states received grants.
In Yukon Flats, a district that covers 59,000 square miles and has schools with as few as 10 students, the funds will be used to extend library hours, family reading nights, and help teachers learn about how libraries can help boost academic achievement.
Chicago schools will use its money to update library resources and technology; to educate parents in promoting literacy at home; and improving library-teacher collaboration.
Some of Waterbury’s grant money will go toward ensuring that school librarians teach alongside classroom teachers.
The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program has been awarding grants since 2002, when 94 grants were awarded.
Click here for more information about the program. And here for a list of grantees. .
