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

“I am thrilled that children from 300 schools will soon have access to an updated library collection,” Mrs. Laura Bush said. “Students across the country turn to books to discover the world around them, and we know that opening a new book opens the door to new opportunities and learning.”

“We are incredibly excited and honored to have been selected to receive this generous grant from the Laura Bush Foundation. A strong library is imperative to the success of our students, and we plan to use these funds to update our picture book and early reader collections, as well as, to add to our Spanish collection,” said Jennifer Pierce, Willow Bend Elementary Principal. “Reading is one of the most important skills one can acquire and Mrs. Pilgrim, our library media specialist, does a fantastic job of exposing students to a variety of literature types and helps to get them excited about reading.”

Mrs. Bush revealed her 2022 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers, on Sunday at the annual Laura Bush Book Club event, part of the Engage at the Bush Center series, presented by NexPoint. Selections feature books on adventure, humor, and discovery.

“The books on this year’s summer reading list were selected to encourage children to keep reading over their summer break,” said Mrs. Bush. “Local libraries are a wonderful resource for our communities, and I hope children and parents will visit their local library to borrow each of the featured titles.”

One of the 2022 Summer Reading List books was written by Giovanna McBride, the daughter of Mrs. Bush’s former chief of Staff, Anita McBride. Gigi at the White House was published by The White House Historical Association and follows a young Giovanna as she tours the White House. Inspired by the Laura Bush Foundation, Anita McBride and her husband Tim McBride have donated copies of Gigi at the White House! to every elementary school that has received a grant since 2002.

Grant applications for the 2022-2023 school year will open in late 2022. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.