Logo courtesy of Jackson-Madison County School System
Andrew Jackson Elementary and South Side High School were two of 300 schools from 44 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded $1.5 million in library grants. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.
“I am thrilled that children from 300 schools will soon have access to an updated library collection,” former First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush said. “Students across the country turn to books to discover the world around them, and we know that opening a new book opens the door to new opportunities and learning.”
Elizabeth Parnell, South Side’s school library media specialist, has applied for the grant for several years, and is thrilled to be chosen to receive this grant by the Laura Bush Foundation.
“The money will allow South Side to update its nonfiction collection and expand the popular anime collection. This grant is a blessing, and it will be a great benefit for the students and staff of our school,” Parnell said.
Andrew Jackson school librarian Robyn Hicks will use the Laura Bush Foundation grant to make the school’s collections more inclusive.
“We’re purchasing books that represent all of our students. When our students read books that reflect different cultures, abilities, skin colors, and beliefs, they gain an understanding and compassion for their community,” Hicks said.
Grant applications for the 2022-2023 school year will open in late 2022. 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 more than $19.5 million to more than 3,300 schools across the country.
