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Three JPS Schools Recipients of Library Grants from Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries
May 23, 2022
Lake Elementary, Obama Magnet Elementary, and Chastain Middle are 3 of 300 schools from 44 states across the country to receive a $5000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the foundation awarded $1.5 million in library grants. Many libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.
“We are thankful for being awarded these grants,” said Director of Library Services Jeanette Whisenton. “The grants will provide the opportunity to increase the library collection with more diverse literature in which scholars not only build a love of reading but develop a connection with books that reflect their own lives. School librarians and grant recipients, Kacy Hellings (Obama Magnet School), Sylvia Simmons (Lake Elementary School), and Jason Eifling (Chastain Middle School) will continue to encourage scholars to become more open-minded readers as they discover themselves in a world of reading.”
Mrs. Bush revealed her 2022 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers from elementary to middle school.“The books on this year’s summer reading list were selected to encourage children to keep reading over their summer break,” said the former first lady. “Local libraries are a wonderful resource for our communities, and I hope children and parents will visit their local library to borrow each of the featured titles.”
One of the 2022 Summer Reading List books was written by Giovanna McBride, the daughter of Mrs. Bush’s former chief of Staff, Anita McBride. Gigi at the White House was published by The White House Historical Association and follows a young Giovanna as she tours the White House. Inspired by the Laura Bush Foundation, Anita McBride and her husband Tim McBride have donated copies of Gigi at the White House! to every elementary school that has received a grant since 2002.
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. Grant applications for the 2022-2023 school year will open in late 2022. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.
The George W. Bush Institute, which houses the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. More information can be found at laurabushfoundation.org. The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. More information can be found at www.bushcenter.org.