Cibola High School was one of 205 schools from 43 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. Mrs. Laura Bush joined Kelly Clarkson on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to announce that the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded more than $1 million in library grants this year. 

The grant recipients’ library collections are outdated, averaging approximately 20 years old. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update their collection, offer more dual language titles, and provide books focused on diversity and inclusivity.

“There are many students who don’t have books at home, so having access to a library at school is essential,” Mrs. Bush said. “With the grants, school libraries across the nation can restock and update their collections providing opportunities for students for years to come." 

Cibola Librarian Amanda Coltman added: “The Laura Bush Foundation is supporting Yuma students to become college and career ready by supporting reading and literacy.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and our school to partner with the Laura Bush Foundation to encourage every student to improve their literacy skills and push towards a brighter future. I would like the thank the Laura Bush Foundation for believing in our Cibola students in the same way that the faculty here at Cibola believes in them.” 

According to Coltman, the grant will allow the library to significantly increase its collection and purchase more materials for English Language Learners, books in braille, and popular fiction and graphic novels.

Grant applications for the 2021-2022 school year will open in late 2021. Visit www.bushcenter.org to learn more. 

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded more than $16 million to more than 2,800 schools across the country.

The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas.