Schools react to receiving "Patterson Pledge" grant

A few weeks ago, we announced James Patterson and Scholastic Reading Club awarded the first round of grant recipients as part of their pledge to save school libraries.

$500,000 of Patterson's personal funds will go to 127 individuals schools with grants that range from $1,000 to $10,000. In addition, Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar with bonus points that allow teachers to buy materials, including books, for their classrooms.

The reactions from school librarians, principals and staff all truly reflect the dire need for proper funding of our U.S. school libraries. Hopefully, this campaign generates a larger discussion about the importance of easy access and choice of books for children to discover the power and joy of reading

Here is sampling of reactions from schools across the nation:

• “[...] This grant is the equivalent of 3 years of my library budget.  This grant will make a huge difference to my students. It is essential for the success of students that school library programs be supported by the schools as well as by the community.  For some of my students who can't come into town to use the public library, our school library is the only library access they have.  Education is the key to escaping the poverty so many students live in and libraries are indispensable in achieving this goal.” - Janet Kanady, library media specialist at Dover High School (Dover, AR)

• "There was a time recently when school libraries were being considered for cuts and only open four hours a day!  Many librarians have been laid off and libraries closed.  The pendulum has started to swing the other way as library hours have been restored. Unfortunately, the budget for the library remains part of the general budget and must compete with things like paper, pencils & crayons for funding.  Grants such as this one is essential to help bring new and current materials in for the students." - Susan Connors, Imperial Beach Charter School (Imperial Beach, CA)

•  “All of the evidence points to the fact that libraries are on life-support.  This is so nationwide and in inner cities particularly [...] In tight budget scenarios, libraries are among the first to see a reduction in resources.   Unquestionably, libraries are at the center of 21st-century learning expectations.   Whether it is research, collaboration, or simple pleasure reading,  the library is in many ways the foundation of the school.  As the powers that be think about ways to meet the needs of students it is strongly recommended that they consider the deep importance of the library." - Patrick Tutwiler, Headmaster at Brighton High School – Brighton, MA)

• “We are a Title I school and the need for new literacy materials for our students is always one of our targeted goals.  Nothing is more important than putting a great book in a child's hands.  Books open up many opportunities for our students.” - Terri Faerber, Principal at Corr Elementary (Gibsonton, FL)

The full list of schools receiving grants in the first round is available online at www.scholastic.com/pattersonpartnership. The remaining $1.25 million, which is being personally donated by Patterson, will be given away in stages through 2015.