I can’t count the number of hours I have spent in libraries and what that has done for my education and my well-being. I am happy to say I am raising two sons who also love libraries and are very lucky to attend public schools that have great library facilities. Our office staff enjoys time in the library which is extremely important to the field of research and evaluation. One of our own Improve Group staff members is currently seeking a Masters degree in library and information science.

My funder today wants to help school libraries and serve students who come from lower economic backgrounds by awarding money for needed library resources.

This week’s pick: The National Education Association Foundation believes “public education is the gateway to opportunity.” To assist in providing public schools with the resources they need for quality education the Foundation offers the NEA’s Books Across America Library Books Awards. Fifty awards of $1,000 each will be made to purchase books and other reading materials for public school libraries.

Applicants must be public school librarians, teachers or education support professionals. Seventy percent of the students in applicant schools must be eligible for free or reduced lunch. The deadline to apply is November 20, 2008. Applications are online and submitted via email. Click here to learn more.