Upgrading Books in the Library

Adams Elementary School

Funds are requested to purchase new non-fiction books in our seriously out-dated biography sections of the library. Increasing cuts in library book funding has eroded the book budget. The teachers are especially interested in biographies of the heroes' in our society and history ñ people who have made significant contributions to the betterment of our society and have made a difference in the lives of others.

Why this is important?

This request is guided by our belief at Adams that an important goal of our curriculum should be to help our students become global citizens who contributing members of their community. We believe students learn to become leaders and heroes by studying leaders and heroes. In our current biographies collection, which are used every year for research and public speaking units, 68% of the books are more than 20 years old. So many of our biographies are old, ugly, unappealing, too hard, and do not reflect the ethnic background of America today. Our collection has too much of an emphasis on dead white male politicians, inventors, and explorers of European descent who are of little interest to kids nowadays. They are begging for biographies that reflect their ethnic background and gender in adventurers, actors, musicians, sport figures, world figures, and writers. The biographies will reflect the interests and reading levels of both primary and intermediate students.

One of our teachers is participating in an extensive study related to increasing student understandings of culture and history. She will be providing in service to other teachers about effective strategies to use these kinds of books for effective learning activities.

Who will be served?

The entire population of Adams School-190 students. All grades K-5.

How will you evaluate the success of this project?

We anticipate great excitement and increased circulation of the biography sections of the library and increased use of these materials for authentic learning activities at all grade levels. Circulation records and reports from teachers will allow an evaluation of the usage of the books.

Does this proposal build on existing school programs?

This request is a continuation request from last year. $2,000 was requested and received last year for culture, country, and biography books. Most of the funds were used for culture and country books. Library circulation and teacher reports revealed significant usage of these books for effective learning activities. We require more funds for the acquisition of the biographies.

How the funds will be spent?

Purchase of approximately 20 biographies