Fifteen years ago CLiF’s very first literacy program supported rural public libraries. We’re delighted to once again offer the Rural Library Sponsorship and support public libraries and schools in New Hampshire and Vermont’s small towns. CLiF is accepting applications through September 16, 2013.

Twin States public libraries in towns of 5,000 or fewer residents with demonstrable need are eligible to apply. Sponsorship includes $2,000 worth of new children’s books for the town library as well as new books for the elementary school library. The grant also includes a total of four storytelling presentations over the course of a school year and a free book giveaway for local children.

This grant provides an opportunity for rural public libraries to improve their children’s book collections, to increase literacy programming in collaboration with the local elementary school and daycares, and to make books more accessible to local children.

And CLiF hosts our popular day-long Rural Libraries Conference on September 20 in White River Junction. $10 conference fee includes lunch; guest speaker is S.S. Taylor, Vermont author of The Expeditioners. This conference sells out annually — register today!

To learn more about the Rural Libraries grant and conference, click here.