‘Books for Boys’
Grant Received from The Stratton Foundation

It is a pleasure to announce that the library has received a grant from The Stratton Foundation in the amount of $750 for ‘Books for Boys’! It has been very exciting to see the excitement that this has brought to the students – both boys and girls.

Upon receiving notice of this grant I surveyed the students to see what books were of interest to them.  The suggestions were very impressive and ranged from classics to current ‘hot sellers’.  The genres of adventure, mystery and sports ranked highest but science fiction, historical fiction and biographies ran close behind.  Many excellent authors were suggested as well as specific titles.  And yes, the release of a book to a movie does spark interest as The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis was the series of highest interest.  Although the boys are the main focus of the ‘Books for Boys’ grant, the girls will also benefit since there is an overlap of interest in many of the books.
Now that the books are being ordered, coming in and being put on the shelves for circulation, this interest in the books has continued. The books are not staying on the shelves very long since they are quickly checked out.  As the students are reading the books they are often recommending them to their peers, and so on and so on … Students are also asking to be put on a waiting list for books!
The effectiveness of this project is to be measured by the increased pleasure reading of the students. A sincere ‘thank you’ goes to The Stratton Foundation for supporting such a worthwhile cause – reading!

Phyllis Tate
Library Media Specialist