Abbie Greenleaf Library Receives CLiF Grant

Abbie Greenleaf Library Receives Children’s Literacy Foundation, CLiF, Grant

Awarded annually to 12 public libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire, the Rural Library Grant is designed is to help small-town libraries create excitement around literacy, update their collections, increase circulation, and strengthen connections with the communities they serve. The grant is also intended to fill funding shortfalls for libraries with extremely limited resources.

“We area so excited to have this opportunity to refresh our children’s library, have visits from guest authors, host book giveaways, boost children’s programming and to reaffirm our connection with Lafayette Regional School and our commitment to children’s literacy.” Ann Steuernagel, Library Director

Components of the $8,000 grant include new children’s books for the public and local elementary school libraries, literacy programming, storytelling sessions, book giveaways, family engagement funds, project support, and more.

Recognizing the increasing needs of small, rural libraries, CLiF expanded the grant to include $500 for summer programming; early childhood literacy kits for circulation in the library; free board books for children ages 0-5; a selection from a multi-choice menu of options worth $1000; and a small stipend to recognize the extra time librarians commit to managing the grant. 

“CLiF’s Rural Library Grant is all about strengthening connections and building a community around literacy,” said CLiF Program Manager Cassie Willner. “In addition, we know how important it is to help small libraries update and diversify their children’s book collection and promote outreach through new titles and events.”

Over the course of the school year, Abbie Greenleaf Library will partner with the Lafayette Regional School to plan events and maximize outreach efforts that are key components of the Rural Library grant.

The grant, which is CLiF’s longest running program, is awarded annually to selected small-town libraries to help them generate excitement around reading and writing, refresh their collections, increase circulation, and strengthen community connections.

“Rural public libraries are vital resources to the communities they serve,” CLiF Executive Director Laura Rice said. “CLiF is proud to support the hard work of librarians across both states, and to help create enthusiasm around these rare spaces where all are welcome. 

Since 1998, CLiF has been dedicated to creating literacy experiences that support success in life and learning for under-resourced children in communities across Vermont and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit www.clifonline.org.

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