Aug. 17, 2022 --  Boulevard Elementary School is one of 300 schools from 44 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant this year through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. Boulevard will use the funds to update and diversify its library collections.

“As the new library media ancillary at Boulevard Elementary School, I walked in to find a collection in need of updates,” said Rachel Gray. “With the grant money, we're able to add books to our collection specifically celebrating cultural diversity. This better reflects our student population and gives them a window into the world around them.” 

According to Ms. Gray, the new books will include stories of and nonfiction texts about Indigenous People, Black History, Latinx culture, LGBTQ people, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, and Jewish Americans. The nonfiction section will be updated to provide books about a variety of religions and religious celebrations. 

“We are both appreciative and excited upon being awarded this grant. It will enable us to engage resources and programming for students. Our vision, propelled by the Laura Bush Grant, is to increase learning opportunities within our media center,” said Boulevard Principal Dr. Michael Jenkins.

“I am thrilled that children from 300 schools will soon have access to an updated library collection,” 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.”

Mrs. Bush revealed her 2022 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers, in May at the annual Laura Bush Book Club event. Selections feature books on adventure, humor, and discovery.

“The books on this year’s summer reading list were selected to encourage children to keep reading over their summer break,” said Mrs. Bush. “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.” 

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. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.