Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries

A former librarian and teacher, Mrs. Laura Bush understands that limited financial resources often result in school leaders placing a lower priority on their school libraries.

Studies show that the quality of a school library has a major impact on reading test scores and academic success.  Since 2002, the Laura Bush Foundation has awarded more than $19.5 million to over 3,300 schools across the country.

Modernizing and diversifying library collections

In May 2022, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded $1.5 million in library grants to 300 school libraries from 44 states across the country. Many of the libraries used the funds to modernize and diversify their collections.

EXPANDING AND UPDATING LIBRARIES IN 2020

In May 2021, The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded more than $1 million in grants to 205 school libraries from 43 states across the country. Inspired by the Laura Bush Foundation, H-E-B surprised 15 Texas-based grant recipients with an additional gift totaling $100,000. Scholastic Books also provided 34 teachers and educators with money to purchase books for their schools and students. 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.

REBUILDING LIBRARIES AFFECTED BY 2019 Dallas tornadoes

In November 2020, The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded the Dallas Education Foundation $500,000 for the direct benefit of Dallas ISD to rebuild from the October 2019 North Dallas tornadoes. Thomas Jefferson High School, Francisco “Pancho” Medrano Junior High School, and Walnut Hill PK-8 used the grants to expand, update, and diversify their library book collections.