KIDS, BOOKS AND THE ARTS
by Ann Hoey, Youth Services Coordinator
N.H. State Library

The N.H. State Library awarded Kids, Books and the Arts grants to 75 public libraries this spring - a record number! Children across the state will have the opportunity to experience the talents of musicians, a magician, storytellers, and a ventriloquist as part of their library's summer reading program. Now in its 10th year, Kids, Books and the Arts is a collaborative program with the N.H. State Council on the Arts. This year, the project received additional funding from the Byrne Foundation, the Cogswell Benevolent Trust, the Saul O Sidore Memorial Foundation, and the Verizon Foundation.

Don't forget about the traveling summer reading poster exhibit. Thirteen framed summer reading posters (from the CHILIS-sponsored N.H. Summer Reading Program) are available for display at public libraries. To arrange for a display time, please call the Circulation Desk at the N.H. State Library at 271-2616 and ask for the set of summer reading posters. The posters will then be sent to you on the van.

The Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF) and the Libri Foundation award grants to small rural public libraries for the purchase of new children's books. Both foundations accept applications twice a year. For more information, visit the following websites: http://www.clifonline.org/ and http://www.librifoundation.org/.

Sponsored by the Center for the Book at the N.H. State Library, the Ladybug Picture Book Award recognizes the best in recent children's picture books and promotes early literacy. Children in preschool through 3rd grade have the opportunity to choose their favorite title from among 12 picture books selected by a committee of school and public librarians. It's easy to get involved. Librarians, teachers, child care providers, and parents can share some or all of the titles with children and then have them vote for their favorite title during Children's Book Week in November. For more information, as well as a list of this year's nominees, visit http://www.state.nh.us/nhsl/bookcenter/literacyc/awards.html.