Newsworthy

LOS ANGELES HIGH SCHOOL NAMED AS A 2017 RECIPIENT OF THE LAURA BUSH FOUNDATION FOR AMERICA’S LIBRARIES GRANT

June 5, 2017

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries announced Los Angeles High School as a recipient of their nationwide grant. The school’s Ray Bradbury Library will receive $7,000 to purchase literary resources such as books, magazines, and audiobooks. Grants are awarded annually after a competitive application and review process. A total of 160 school libraries from 38 states across the country were recipients, only ten were selected in California.

“Congratulations to the schools and libraries that have been awarded a 2017 Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries grant!” said Mrs. Laura Bush. “As a former librarian, I know school libraries play an important role in improving student achievement, and with this grant, your librarian will make your library the perfect place for students to fall in love with reading.”

“Our Ray Bradbury Library serves as the hub of the school,” shares Dr. Helena Yoon-Fontamillas, Principal. Adding, “with recent renovations such as the larger-than-life Bradbury mural, a permanent fixture in the library, the addition of new computers, and now a generous expansion of our collection makes our library a model resource center in LAUSD.”

Teacher Librarian James Ng states, “I’m excited for our students and staff, as we plan to add a variety of publication to support research based learning, with special consideration for our STEM Magnet program, Visual Arts focus, and Career and Technical pathways.” Further explaining, “we’re also planning to carry new and popular titles, highlighting diverse authors, and stock a variety of current interest magazines.”

“Our library is a great place to read, study, do research, finish homework, type essays, edit movie projects, meet up with people, hangout with friends, and relax,” said Amina Barnes, junior. She adds, “we really love our library!”

A ceremony marking the award is planned early next school year, time and date to be announced.

Los Angeles High School is the oldest public high school in the Southern California Region and in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Serving the Mid-Wilshire area, the school has many noted alumni’s including George Takei, Dustin Hoffman, and the library’s namesake, Ray Bradbury. The school is recognized for successful programs including their high achieving STEM Magnet, innovative ICAP Visual Arts pathway, award winning band, decorated MESA Robotics team, and championship football program. For more information visit www.lahigh.org

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries provides grants of up to $7,000 to qualifying schools so they can extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning. In 2017 more than $930,000 is being distributed. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded over $14.3 million to more than 2,700 schools across the country. More information can be found at www.laurabushfoundation.org.