Summer reading programs are a great enrichment opportunity provided by many libraries. These programs encourage children to read and give them some sort of reward for spending part of their summer reading books. This can help students retain reading skills over the summer and develop a lifelong habit of reading.

ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant

The American Library Association offers the ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program grant to members of the ALA. This grant gives $3,000 to help implement a summer reading program at a public library. The applicant must be a member of the ALA as well as the Association for Library Services to Children. The grant committee is looking for ideas that will appeal to all children and also help those with disabilities. The committee will look for a theme and a plan to implement the program successfully in your library system.

Association for Library Service to Children 50 E Huron Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 545-2433 ext 2163 ala.org

Build-A-Bear Literacy and Education Grants

Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation gives literacy grants to people who want to run summer reading programs in addition to other educational grants. The grant amount depends on the project but can be from $1,000 to $10,000. The grants are not automatically renewable, and you will have a waiting period of a few years before you can apply for the grant again. These grants may be given throughout the United States and Canada. There are other types of grants that you can apply for in order to help your library. There is no specific deadline to apply for grants from the Build-A-Bear foundation.

Build-A-Bear Workshop 1954 Innerbelt Business Center Drive Saint Louis, MO 63114 (877) 789-2327 www.buildabear.com/aboutus/community/grants/2010literacyGrantGuidelines.pdf

Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Dollar General will provide grants for summer reading programs. The grant amounts will be up to $3,000. The program needs to be aimed for students in pre-K up to seniors in high school. Additionally, the program should have specific measures in place that will help kids who are behind on their reading skills or who have learning disabilities. In order to qualify for a grant, you must have a Dollar General store in your state. Dollar Generals are in 35 states. There are also several other literacy grants available through this program.

Dollar General Corporate Office 100 Mission Ridge Goodlettsville, TN 37072 (615) 855-4000 dgliteracy.com/grant-program/summer-reading-grants.aspx