North Heights Community School is among the 300 fortunate schools from 36 states across the United States to be awarded a prestigious grant of $5,000 from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the foundation distributed a total of $1.5 million in library grants to support schools in updating and diversifying their book collections.
Expressing her delight, Mrs. Laura Bush, the founder of the Laura Bush Foundation, said, “Congratulations to the 2023 Laura Bush Foundation Grant Recipients! I am thrilled that school librarians across the country will soon be able to update their library collections.”
Principal Samantha Coleman of North Heights Community School emphasized the importance of providing students with a library that represents diversity and inclusivity. She stated, “Students should have books in which they can see themselves and books that help them see into the lives and experiences of others. This grant will help us provide both better representation and increased diversity in our literature collection. In doing so, all of our students will be exposed to a richer selection of books.”
In addition to the grant announcement, Mrs. Laura Bush also unveiled her 2023 summer reading list during the annual Laura Bush Book Club event. The list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers, features books on family, adventure, and gratitude. Among the selections are timeless classics like “Charlotte’s Web” and new releases like “The Loud Librarian,” which showcases the work of Dallas illustrator Erika Lynne Jones.
Reflecting on her choices, Mrs. Bush shared, “This year’s summer reading list includes an old favorite, Charlotte’s Web, which I remember reading to my daughters when they were little. As a former teacher and librarian, I know that the most important thing parents and caregivers can do for their children is to read to them. So, I hope you bring this list to your local library and pick out a few books to read with your family this summer. Your kids will love it, and so will you.”
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries is dedicated to supporting school libraries with the greatest needs, with the ultimate goal of fostering a love for reading and learning among all students. Since its establishment in 2002, the foundation has provided $21 million in grants to over 3,600 schools nationwide.
Grant applications for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year will open in late 2023. To find out more about the Laura Bush Foundation and its initiatives, visit laurabushfoundation.org.
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries is a part of the George W. Bush Institute’s Education and Opportunity work. This work is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. The Laura Bush Foundation operates as a restricted fund within the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. Further information about the foundation can be found at laurabushfoundation.org and www.bushcenter.org.
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