Texas Book Festival Awards $100,000 in Grants to Texas Public Libraries

AUSTIN, Texas, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Book Festival (TBF) will announce tomorrow that it is awarding $100,000 in grants this year to Texas Public Libraries.  Click here for a list of libraries.  The grants are made possible through the generosity of individual, corporate, and foundation sponsorships, funds raised from the annual Gala, and book sales during the annual Book Festival on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol.  The organization will announce its 2009 grant recipients at the Texas Library Association Conference in San Antonio on Friday, April 16. The Texas Book Festival has awarded more than $2.5 million in library grants since 1996.

The grants help Texas Public Libraries develop or continue to innovate literacy programs, integrate new technology and complement existing book collections. Grant sizes vary, with the maximum being $2,500 for books and $5,000 for both literacy and technology.

"We are honored to support Texas public libraries and the invaluable services they provide to their communities in cultivating literacy," said Heidi Marquez Smith, Executive Director for the Texas Book Festival. "After reviewing the hundreds of applications submitted, it is clear that Texas libraries have a good perception of the needs of their neighbors," Smith said.

About the TBF

The TBF is a non profit organization founded by First Lady Laura Bush in 1996 when she was First Lady of Texas. She continues to serve as the organization's Honorary Chair.  The organization produces the Book Festival, which is held every year at the Texas Capitol grounds in Austin.  The fifteenth annual Texas Book Festival will take place October 16th and 17th, 2010. The free two-day festival features vibrant literary panels, readings, and book signings with renowned Texas and national authors. With the help of the Texas community, a statewide board of directors and advisory committee, and more than 1,000 volunteers, the event has grown to become one of the most prestigious literary festivals in the nation.

In addition to Festival weekend and Library Grants, the TBF has reached more than 30,000 children in economically disadvantaged Central and South Texas Schools, providing for many the first book they've ever owned through its Reading Rock Stars program.  The TBF also connects authors and readers through special literary events year-round.  

CONTACT: Lisa Lawrence, Publicity Director, (512) 426-4904 [email protected]

SOURCE Texas Book Festival