June 3, 2021 3:30 a.m. 

The Days Creek Charter School recently received a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries.

Days Creek was one of 205 schools from 43 states across the country to receive the funds, as the organization awarded more than $1 million in library grants this year.

A release said grant recipients have library collections that are outdated, averaging approximately 20 years old. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update their collection, offer more dual language titles, and provide books focused on diversity and inclusivity.

Days Creek Superintendent Steve Woods said their school library will benefit greatly from the grant. Woods said, ”Our library has begun transforming into a vibrant and welcoming place where students gather to read and engage in hands-on activities”. He said the grant will help support their continued vision.

Mrs. Bush also revealed her summer reading list: https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/articles/2021/05/mrs-laura-bush-recommended-summer-reading-2021.html

It includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers. Selections highlight books focused on diversity, inclusion and kindness; and this list features a title by the late Beverly Cleary.

Since its inception in 2002, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries has awarded more than $16 million to more than 2,800 schools across the country.