A new program will offer $800,000 in grants to rebuild and expand public school library media programs affected by disasters – including those that have opened their doors to significant numbers of new students displaced by last year’s hurricanes.
Discount retailer Dollar General will fund the program and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will administer it. The National Education Association (NEA) will work with AASL on the grant review committee and provide support materials.
“Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program” is the largest relief effort in the history of the ALA and NEA targeted specifically to public school libraries. Individual library awards range from $5,000 to $15,000. The funds will be used to purchase books, media and library equipment that support learning in a school library environment.
First priority for the grants will be given to school libraries impacted by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. A certified school librarian at the campus, district or regional level will be involved in the selection of materials and equipment to be purchased.