Improving Literacy Through School Libraries, U.S. Dept. of Ed

The Literacy Through School Libraries program helps LEAs improve reading achievement by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials; well-equipped, technologically advanced school library media centers; and professionally certified school library media specialists.

Local education agencies (LEAs) in which at least 20 percent of students served are from families with incomes below the poverty line may apply; given the data on the site, only Connecticut's 'Big 7' are eligible. Still, the public/special/academic libraries should be aware and at the table for discussion. Bridgeport, New  Britain, Windham, New London, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury.

Districts may use funds for the following activities:

• Purchase up-to-date school library media resources, including books;
• Acquire and use advanced technology that is integrated into the curricula to develop and enhance the information literacy, information retrieval, and critical-thinking skills of students;
• Facilitate Internet links and other resource-sharing networks;
• Provide professional development for school library media specialists of PK-3 students and provide activities that foster increased collaboration among library specialists, teachers, and administrators of PK-12 students; and
• Provide students with access to school libraries during nonschool hours, weekends, and summer vacations.  

Deadline to submit full application: March 28, 2011