John Tuck Elementary, M.A. Lynch Elementary, Sage Elementary, Terrebonne Community and Vern Patrick Elementary schools are five 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.

Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.

“We are so thrilled that five of our RSD schools are recipients of this competitive grant. With these funds the schools will be able to start putting in the hands of our students, the books they love and books to help them grow as thriving and caring people with a lifelong learning attitude,” said Pia Alliende, RSD District Librarian in a press release.

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.

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.