All Texas libraries are invited to apply for the Lone Star Día Grant program. The Lone Star Día Grant is designed to support libraries and literacy nonprofits serving children in need, providing $200 in book credits to allow them to purchase diverse titles to augment their own Lone Star Día programs.

“We are so excited to be able to provide this support to Texas Libraries in celebration of Lone Star Día once again this year,” said Gloria Meraz, Director and Librarian at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. “Lone Star Día can be a great way to encourage and reinforce the power of reading among all people in our communities.”
 
Librarians may use funds for books they select from the First Book, the largest online community of educators serving kids living in poverty. Their marketplace offers a wide array of diverse titles for children in its Stories For All Project™ collection. Libraries not eligible for First Book may qualify for a limited number of $100 Amazon gift cards to support multicultural collection development.

This year is the 26th annual celebration of national Children’s Day, Book Day (Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros) founded in 1996 by Texas author and literacy advocate Pat Mora. Lone Star Día is Texas’s statewide celebration of the day. “The Texas Center for the Book encourages a love of books and reading among children of all cultures,” said Coordinator Rebekah Manley. “We encourage libraries, schools, churches and other allied organizations to discover ‘bookjoy’ year-round.” Most events occur around the official national celebration on April 30, but can take place at any time.

Apply for your Lone Star Día Grant and find more information at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/lonestardia.