North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction, Kirsten Baesler, has announced that 17 libraries and schools across the state have been awarded a total of $255,000 in grants aimed at enhancing local summer reading programs. The funding, sourced from federal pandemic relief funds, is set to support a range of activities designed to encourage literacy among young students.
“These grants are crucial for fostering a love of reading, which is fundamental for developing literacy skills and critical thinking,” Baesler said. “I’m thrilled that every one of the 17 libraries and schools that applied has received a portion of the funds, ensuring that more students can benefit from these enriching programs.”
Grant awards ranged from $10,000 to $20,000, and the funds have been utilized for diverse and engaging initiatives. Among the projects funded are “book bingo” games, book breakfast clubs, and various events aimed at promoting reading.
The Beulah library, for example, organized events featuring local authors, allowing students to engage directly with writers and learn about the book-writing process. Additionally, they implemented a “road map challenge” encouraging students to visit different libraries in the region. The library also hosted “Maker Mondays,” where students used materials from a supply cart to create various projects.
In Cando, the grant facilitated a “breakfast book club” along with weekly activities that included reading goals. Washburn saw significant participation, with students filling out over 200 reading logs and submitting 18 “book bingo” cards for a chance to win passes to the North Dakota Gateway to Science in Bismarck.
Napoleon’s program focused on story times for younger students and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities for older children. Bowman introduced a “summer reading adventure,” providing students with backpacks filled with supplies such as a reading journal and a book of their choice.
These initiatives reflect a commitment to enhancing educational experiences and promoting literacy across North Dakota, supported by strategic use of pandemic relief funds to benefit local communities.
Grants have been distributed as follows:
$20,000:
- Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
- Carrington City Library
- Dickinson Area Public Library
- Grand Forks Public Library
- Lake Region Public Library
- Morton Mandan Public Library
$15,000:
- Beulah Public Library
- Cando Community Library
- Divide County Public Library
- Leach Public Library
- Williston Community Library
$10,000:
- Bowman Regional Public Library
- Mayville Public Library
- Napoleon Public Library
- New Town City Library
- Oakes Public School
- Washburn Public Library
By: Montana Newsroom staff
