The Libri Foundation is currently accepting applications for it summer 2001 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN grant program to be awarded August 15, 2001. The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization, which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries in the United States. Established in 1989, the Foundation has donated over $1.2 million worth of new children's books to more than 1,200 libraries in 46 states. Past public library grant recipients in New Hampshire include: Barrington, Freedom, Jackson, Lyndeborough, Madison, and Tamworth.

To encourage local support of libraries, the Foundation works with the library's Friends of the Library or other local organizations. The Foundation matches on a 2-to-1 ratio money raised by a local sponsor. Local organizations can contribute from $50 up to $350. Thus, a library could receive up to $1,050 worth of new children's books thanks to the Foundation. To qualify a library should serve fewer than 10,000 (usually under 5,000), have a very limited budget, be in a rural area and have an active children's department. The local librarian selects the books from the Foundation's booklist of 640 highly reviewed fiction and nonfiction titles.

Application deadline is August 1, 2001. To request an application packet, e-mail your name, your library's name, and mailing address to: The Libri Foundation at librifdn@teleprot.com. An application can also be requested by mail, telephone, or fax at: The Libri Foundation, P.O. Box 10246, Eugene, OR 97440, tele. (541) 747-9655, fax (541) 747-4348. Visit their website at: www.teleport.com/~librifdn/index.html.