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FYI, Sharon Rawlins, Youth Services Consultant, New Jersey State Library

Better World Books, NCFL create national award for libraries

NCFL has launched a new funding opportunity to support family literacy in the library setting. Libraries have long been NCFL partners, offering services and access to books free of charge to families. With more than 123,000 facilities across the United States, libraries provide opportunities to bring literacy directly to families in the community.

Through the Libraries and Families Award, NCFL will distribute $30,000 in funding to libraries that are pioneering programs to families. Funding for the program will come from Better World Books\x92 Libraries Discards & Donations program, a free service that helps libraries manage their unwanted books.

Interested applicants can sign up now at www.famlit.org to be notified when the criteria and application are available, which should be no later than Oct. 1.

\x93Local libraries serve a critical role in promoting lifelong learning and literacy in their communities,\x94 said David Murphy, president and CEO of Better World Books. \x93We are proud to partner with the NCFL to specifically promote the new and innovative ways libraries are working to bring families together over books and learning.\x94

NCFL anticipates awarding three $10,000 grant awards each year \x96 one in each of the following three categories: 1) Local Friends of the Library programs 2) Public/academic libraries 3) Urban libraries

Sally Reed, executive director of the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, said she is thrilled that local friends of library groups will be eligible for this \x93very special grant program.\x94

\x93Studies show categorically that children entering kindergarten with a book-rich background enter far ahead of children without this important enrichment,\x94 Reed said. \x93Those statistics demonstrate the important role that families have in a child\x92s education. As a result, Friends of the Library groups have been working with libraries across the country to promote early childhood programs, materials and professional expertise available free to parents and guardians. This grant will be an amazing boon to Friends' groups.\x94

Each year, award recipients will receive scholarships to attend that year\x92s NCFL Annual National Conference on Family Literacy.

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