The U.S. Department of Education's Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) Program focuses on providing funding to public school libraries in districts with 20.00 percent or more family poverty. Funds are used to improve reading achievement through updating the library collection, expanding internet connections, purchasing new technology, providing professional development for library media specialists, and extending school library hours. Please note that individual schools may not apply for this program. This is for public local school districts or charter schools or state-administered schools that are considered local school districts by their State Educational Agency. More information about this program can be found on the program's Web site www.ed.gov/programs/lsl.
The Department announced the 2006 LSL program competition in the Federal Register on February 10th, and applications will be due on April 11th. Approximately 19 million dollars will be available for funding, and an estimated 100 grants will be awarded under this competition. You may access the full application package on the program Web site www.ed.gov/programs/lsl under "Applicant Info." The Federal Register Notice can be found at <http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-1906.htm>.
