Library Grant
Apply for a Library Refurbishment Grant
Need books? We’re here to help.
At Access Books, we believe every child deserves access to books that spark curiosity, joy, and confidence.
We provide brand-new, hardcover books for school libraries and work alongside school communities to transform libraries into welcoming, functional spaces that support reading for pleasure.
Our primary focus is elementary school libraries. In special circumstances, we may seek funding for middle or high school libraries.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a library refurbishment grant,
schools must meet the following criteria:
- At least 88% Title I
- A library staffed by dedicated library personnel (aide, clerk, technician, LMT, or librarian)
- A commitment to active participation from the school community
If your school is a middle or high school, please use the appropriate application linked below.
What Schools Receive
For Elementary School Libraries
If selected, your school will receive:
- Current, high-interest books selected by a professional librarian, with an emphasis on reading for pleasure
- A partnership with a sponsor group (often a private school, scout troop, or civic organization)
- Thousands of gently used paperback books collected through a sponsor-led book drive to create classroom library sets
Together, these resources support both the school library and daily reading in classrooms.
The Library Refurbishment Day
Library refurbishments are collaborative, hands-on events—usually held on a Saturday.
During the service day, we work together to:
- Paint literacy-themed murals in the library
- Process new books for library circulation
- Organize classroom library sets
Murals are completed in one day and may involve children and volunteers. Paint is donated, so color availability cannot be guaranteed. We’re happy to collaborate on ideas while keeping these practical considerations in mind.
Partnership & Participation
Access Books library refurbishments are true partnerships.
We ask that schools:
- Provide 10–20 volunteers from the school community
- Ensure at least one adult for every three children
- Encourage teachers and administrators to participate
This shared effort helps build ownership and pride in the library space.
Library Systems & Processing
To ensure books are available to students as quickly as possible:
- We’ll meet in advance to plan processing based on your library’s circulation system
- Physical processing typically happens on the service day with volunteers
- The school must commit to entering titles and barcodes into its circulation system THE TITLES ARE ADDED TO THE CATALOG SYSTEM WITH ASSISTANCE FROM DISTRICT LIBRARY SERVICES
Ongoing Staffing Requirement
We require that all libraries we serve remain staffed by dedicated library personnel.
If, at any point during the grant process, a library becomes unstaffed, Access Books reserves the right to terminate the grant and reclaim donated books. This ensures resources are placed where they can be actively used and maintained.
A Shared Belief
We don’t view these books as a “gift.”
We believe all children have the right to quality books for pleasure reading, and that access to books should be sustained—not temporary.
Ready to Apply?
If your school is interested in participating, please complete the application below.
- Applications must be submitted without a cover sheet
- Please provide exact data from your library’s circulation system (do not estimate or round)
- Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required
Access Books Library Service Application (Elementary Schools Only)
Middle & High School Application
Application Questions (Overview)
The application will ask for:
- School and contact information
- Library staffing details
- Student demographics and Title I data
- Library collection size and condition
- Circulation system information
- Readiness for a service event
- Permission to paint murals
- A detailed description of your library, community,
needs, goals, and challenges
Thoughtful, detailed applications help us better understand your school and are more likely to be funded.