Today, Innova Preparatory School in Hattiesburg was one of 300 schools from 36 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries.
This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded $1.5 million in library grants this year. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.
“Congratulations to the 2023 Laura Bush Foundation Grant Recipients! I am thrilled that school librarians across the country will soon be able to update their library collections,” Mrs. Laura Bush said.
“We are thrilled to announce that Innova Prep has been awarded a generous grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. The Administration of our school would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the foundation for their support,” said Dr. Zachary Murphy, Ed.D, Executive Director/Principal. “This grant will have a significant impact on our students, empowering them with new educational opportunities and enhancing our library offerings. We would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our dedicated librarian, Mrs. Linda Christian, for her tireless efforts in preparing and submitting this grant request on behalf of Innova Prep and our students. Thank you for all that you do, and we are truly fortunate to have you as part of our team.”
The Administration of Innova Prep expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries for awarding their school the generous grant, saying the support will empower students, enhance library offerings, and broaden students’ educational experience. We would like to acknowledge and thank our librarian, Mrs. Linda Christian, for her efforts in preparing and submitting this grant request on behalf of Innova Prep and our students.
Mrs. Bush revealed her 2023 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers at the annual Laura Bush Book Club event, as part of the Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint, with support from H-E-B. Selections feature books on family, adventure, and gratitude. The list contains classics like The Little House as well as new releases like The Loud Librarian, featuring Dallas illustrator, Erika Lynne Jones.
“This year’s summer reading list includes an old favorite, Charlotte’s Web, which I remember reading to my daughters when they were little,” Mrs. Bush said. “As a former teacher and librarian, I know that the most important thing parents and caregivers can do for their children is to read to them. So I hope you bring this list to your local library, and pick out a few books to read with your family this summer. Your kids will love it, and so will you.”
Grant applications for the 2023-2024 school year will open in late 2023. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.
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 $21 million to more than 3,600 schools across the country.
