Buying Books

If your school is able to purchase the author’s books for the library or classroom, be sure to shop around because book buying adds up quickly!

-The Publisher: Unless prohibited by district policies, purchasing books directly from the publisher may give you the best rate. Often, schools can set up accounts with publishers and receive discounts.

-Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble gives discounts to schools and your school can set up an account for future ordering. Barnes & Noble will also come set up at your school to sell books. If you arrange this, be sure to send notes home with students prior to the author visit. Inform parents and guardians of the price of the book and when the student will be able to purchase a book.

– Local Bookstores: You may also want to call your local bookstore to see if they can offer a discount for your school.

-FirstBook: If your school serves children in need, to see if your school qualifies, visit their website. FirstBook offers a marketplace to order books at a discount. They can even set up a fundraiser webpage for your school. Donors can give money to your cause and those funds go directly to your schools marketplace account for purchasing books. FirstBook also gives away free books!

Grants & Funding

The PTA can host fundraisers to help with costs. Local businesses or individuals might consider cash sponsorships. Grants or Title-1 funds may also be available. You may want to check with your region or district to see what is available. Below is a list of of helpful resources that may help you reach your goals whether it’s book buying, the actual author visit, a literacy program, or just books for your school’s library.

Writers’ League of Texas – apply for a grant to bring an author to your school through Writers’ League of Texas Project WISE (Writers in Schools for Enrichment).

Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries– distributes grants up to $5,000 to schools looking to update, diversify, and enhance their

Library of Congress Surplus Books Program – apply to receive free books from the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program.

The Lisa Libraries– apply to receive a donation of children’s books for your library through The Lisa Libraries Organization.

ALSC/Candlewick Press “Light the Way: Outreach to the Underserved” Grant– apply for a grant to support a new program or expansion to your library through ALSC/Candlewick Press.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Library Grant Program– apply for a grant to purchase new books for preschool to eighth grade through The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation.