This list provided byJanet Ingraham Dwyer, one of the presenters for the February 15, 2001 webinar, Library Reading Incentive Programs for Summer and Beyond.

Grant opportunities / free books

Reading Rockets: In Search of Free Books

This article lists and links to several organizations that distribute free or low-cost books.

One great source of free books that is not mentioned in that article is the Libri Foundation, which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries: http://www.librifoundation.org/.  The next round of Libri Foundation grants will be awarded January 31, 2011 and the application is due January 23.

Half Pint Library from Half Price Books – donations of gently-used books

Lois Lenski Covey Foundation – grants for book purchases

Dollar General Summer Reading grants

Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants

Ezra Jack Keats Foundation minigrant program

Target Early Childhood Reading grants

Library Grants

This blog keeps readers up-to-date on current grant opportunities for all types of libraries.

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Information

The LSTA program is funded through the independent federal agency IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services).  LSTA funds are used to further the goals of the LSTA Five-Year Plan and to support statewide initiatives. LSTA funds are also distributed to libraries through competitive grant programs. This link is to basic overview information from the IMLS.  Please contact your state library agency for information about specific programs available in your state.