School libraries are critical to meet schools' instructional goals and objectives. They promote literacy by developing and encouraging reading. Based on the most recent Schools and Staffing Survey findings (school year 1993-94) about half (52 percent) of schools with library media centers did not have a full-time state-certified librarian and 20% of schools with library media centers did not have a librarian at all. About 35% of teachers nationwide believed that library or media materials were not adequate to support their instructional objectives.
What will it fund?
Districts receiving program funds may use them for such things as purchasing up-to-date school library media resources, including books and advanced technology, professional development and certification for school library media specialists, and providing students with access to school libraries during non-school hours, weekends, and summer vacations.
Who is eligible?
The new Improving Literacy through School Libraries program is a competitive one-year grant program for districts in which at least 20 percent of the students are from families with incomes below the poverty line.
Funding Level:
Grants over the last three years have ranged from $20,000 to $350,000.
Great Source Grant Writer's Guide Available
|
|
|
