Securing grants for school libraries can greatly enhance the resources and opportunities available to students. Here are some potential sources for book grants specifically aimed at supporting school libraries:
- Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries:
- This foundation provides annual grants to schools for the purchase of books and reading materials. The focus is on schools with high levels of students from low-income families.
- Penguin Random House Library Awards for Innovation:
- This program recognizes libraries and librarians for innovative community-based programs. While not exclusively for books, winning libraries receive a cash award along with PRH books.
- Capstone:
- Capstone offers the Capstone Library Literacy Grant, providing funding for books and content to enhance literacy in schools. The grant is open to K-12 schools.
- James Patterson and Scholastic Book Clubs Giveaway:
- James Patterson collaborates with Scholastic Book Clubs to give grants to teachers and school libraries for book purchases. The focus is on creating excitement about reading.
- Book Love Foundation:
- This foundation provides grants to teachers and school libraries to help them build a rich classroom library. The emphasis is on fostering a love of reading.
- The Libri Foundation:
- The Libri Foundation offers the Books for Children program, which provides grants to rural libraries for purchasing new, quality, hardcover children’s books.
- Dollar General Literacy Foundation:
- The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers various literacy grants, including those that support school libraries. Funding can be used for purchasing books, materials, and literacy programs.
- Ezra Jack Keats Foundation:
- The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation offers mini-grants to public schools and libraries for projects that foster creative expression and emphasize the love of reading.
- NEA Foundation:
- The NEA Foundation provides grants to educators, including those in school libraries, for projects that enhance student learning. While not exclusively for books, funds can be used for resources that support student achievement.
- Target Field Trip Grants:
- While not specifically for books, Target’s Field Trip Grants program provides funds for K-12 schools to organize a field trip. This can be an opportunity to take students to book-related events or literary attractions.
- DonorsChoose:
- DonorsChoose is a crowdfunding platform that allows teachers and librarians to request funds for specific projects, including purchasing books for school libraries.
When applying for book grants for school libraries, carefully review the eligibility criteria and guidelines of each opportunity. Clearly articulate how the grant will benefit the students and contribute to the overall improvement of the school library’s resources and impact on student learning.