W.G. Pearson Elementary Earns $5,000 Library Grant

W.G. Pearson Elementary School has received a $5,000 grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, joining 219 other schools across 38 states awarded funds this year.

The grant, awarded through a competitive application process, was secured by W.G. Pearson Media Coordinator Ann Ayers. The funds will be used to help update and diversify the school’s library collection.

“Books have the power to spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning,” former First Lady Laura Bush said in a statement. “We are thrilled to provide these grants so that librarians can refresh their shelves – opening the door for students to discover new interests and endless adventures.”

This year, the foundation awarded more than $1 million in grants to libraries nationwide. Since its inception in 2002, it has distributed $23 million to more than 4,000 schools.

The announcement coincided with the release of Mrs. Bush’s 2025 summer reading list, part of the Bush Center’s Engage series. The list includes titles such as I Loved You First, by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, and First Ladies Make History by Anita and Giovanna McBride. Each elementary school receiving a grant will also receive a donated copy of First Ladies Make History.

The next round of library grant applications is expected to open in late 2025.

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