Valley Hi Elementary School is one of only 300 schools from across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Foundation awarded $1.5 million in library grants.
Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.
Valley Hi Librarian Jennifer Grimes stated “We are so excited about this opportunity to enhance our library for our Woodchucks. We will be adding a variety of new books on multiculturalism, technology applications and the biographies of various role models and community leaders. A huge thank you to the Laura Bush Foundation for Libraries for this wonderful and generous honor.”
“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,” Mrs. Laura Bush said.
Mrs. Bush revealed her 2023 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers at the annual Laura Bush Book Club event. Selections feature books on family, adventure, and gratitude. The list contains classics like The Little House as well as new releases like The Loud Librarian, featuring Dallas illustrator, Erika Lynne Jones.
“This year’s summer reading list includes an old favorite, Charlotte’s Web, which I remember reading to my daughters when they were little,” Mrs. Bush said. “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.”
Grant applications for the 2023-2024 school year will open in late 2023. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded $21 million to more than 3,600 schools across the country.
