That’s right folks, our 2nd Annual LEAP for Libraries Grant Application is NOW OPEN and we’re searching for today’s library program game-changers.

What is LEAP?
LEAP stands for Literacy and Education in Action Program.  A portion of every book purchased on BetterWorldBooks.com supports literacy and education around the world.  We use LEAP as a way to support libraries and literacy non-profits through grants.  

Who Won the LEAP for Libraries Grant Last Year?
Approximately 3.5 million dollars worth of grant requests and almost 240 applications were reviewed by the Better World Books Literacy and Library Council in 2011. While there were countless worthy projects, six emerged as the winning grant recipients.  You can find their winning grant stories at www.betterworldbooks.com/librarygrants.

What Grants are Available This Year for Libraries?
This year, $30,000 in funding is available; maximum grant amount per project is $15,000.

• Projects should address the literacy needs of underserved populations in their community. Literacy needs are defined by broadly identifying, understanding, interpreting, creating, communicating, and computing information to live a more fulfilling and productive life.
• Libraries may pitch only one project each, with a maximum award of $15,000. Please be sure to clearly outline the project elements that require the requested funds.
• Projects that involve partnerships with local government agencies are highly encouraged.
• Projects that will have a measurable and long term impact on an underserved population and will continue to operate after grant funds have been utilized will be looked upon favorably.
• Better World Books looks forward to reviewing applications that bring a fresh and inspired approach to challenging issues.

 

When is the Deadline?
February 6th – Applications open.
April 9th – Applications due.
April 10-May 30 – Selection period.
May 31 – Winner announced!
June 2012 – Donations dispersed.

I’m Sold! How Do We Apply?
Go to www.betterworldbooks.com/librarygrants for more information and to download the application..

Please share this opportunity with all remarkable library partners and friends you know!

 

In American politics, electoral future is oftentimes illuminated by electoral past.

With the 2012 presidential election season now in full swing, President Barack Obama faces two paths, each symbolized by one of his recent Democratic predecessors.

The happy outcome for Obama would be to emulate President Harry Truman, who won one of the most remarkable electoral upsets in American history when he defeated New York Gov. Thomas Dewey in 1948. Zachary Karabell ably describes the campaign in his book, The Last Campaign: How Harry Truman Won the 1948 Election, and he reminds us that Truman did not just have to defeat Dewey; he also was challenged in the South by “Dixiecrat” candidate Strom Thurmond — who ran as a protest candidate after Truman and the Democratic Party embraced civil rights — and Progressive Party nominee and former Vice President Henry Wallace, who ran to Truman’s left. Indeed, throughout the year Obama has been trying to adopt a harder tone with congressional Republicans, much like Truman did in assailing the “Do-Nothing Congress.”

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Do you wish you had enough money to buy shoes, soap, shelter and books for every homeless child in our world – and also cute, trendy, smart items for your loved ones?While most of us cannot afford to buy two of every gift and ship one to someone in need and the other to our in-laws, nieces, long-distance lovers and bosses, there are companies out there who will do it for you, for free!

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Guest post by Derek Williams & John Cervenka, Founders of The Giving Network

GivLive, a weekly show on The Giving Network hosted by Derek Williams and John Cervanka, highlights the great work of non profits and organizations around the world. On a recent episode GivCause shared about the outstanding work Better World Books is doing to bring attention to education and literacy.

Cervenka says, “Better World Books is on the forefront as a for-profit company that makes non-profit work part of their business model. GivCause is proud to share the impact of Better World Books with our global audience.”

GivCause | The Giving Network is revolutionizing the way non profits and cause driven organizations are telling their story to the world. After launching only two months ago, GivCause is already being seen in over 36 countries. The network, headquartered in Los Angeles, was founded by Derek Williams and John Cervenka. With their extensive background in the entertainment industry their goal is to build the largest global online television network completely dedicated to non profit programs. By the response they are already experiencing they are well on their way.

A full roster of new programs from various non profits around the world will premier in January 2012.

Do you have any suggestions for webisodes Better World Books can host on The Giving Network? What about other organizations that you’d like for GivCause to highlight? Please share below…

*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our friends at The Giving Network. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email 11@betterworldbooks.com if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, John and Derek!

The National Center for Family Literacy and Better World Books are proud to announce 20 mini-grants winners that have proposed creative ideas for using Wonderopolis® with families.
Wonderopolis provides family-friendly content that is practical, easy to use and designed to engage children’s natural curiosity and transform it into a lifelong love of learning. Wonderopolis is a place where wonder and learning are nurtured through the power of discovery, creativity and imagination through “Wonder of the Day.” Wonders of the Day will help you find learning moments in everyday life, ones that fit in with dinner preparations, carpool responsibilities, a stolen moment between breakfast and the bus, or within school curriculum and education programs. You can explore all this innovative site and community has to offer here.The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL), which is the worldwide leader in family literacy, created Wonderopolis. More than one-million families have made positive educational and economic gains as a result of NCFL’s work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers. Read more…

Guest post by Pam Boiros, Prison Book Program volunteer

The Prison Book Program gets books into the hands of prison inmates, who often lack any educational resources. As a grassroots organization operating on a shoestring budget, the organization’s partnership with Better World Books has has been essential–providing a stable source of funding.Prison Book Program was delighted to represent Better World Books at the third annual Boston Book Festival Saturday, October 15.The festival took place on historic Copley Square, in the center of downtown Boston, near iconic (and literary) landmarks such as the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church.  Dozens of authors led discussion panels, and signed their books for an estimated crowd of 30,000 “booky” Bostonians of all ages and walks of life.  Crisp fall weather, and the fact that all events were free, contributed to the great turnout.

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There has been quite the uproar online the past week about two articles which discussed the issue of libraries actually throwing away books. First, Cracked.com wrote about the problem. Then, NPR responded and elaborated. Now, it’s our turn to show these news outlets and book lovers around the world how we are the solution.

I interviewed our library experts at Better World Books about how we serve and work with libraries to help them responsibly handle their surplus books, make money, and make the world more literate in the process.

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Better World Books hosted a day-long community fundraising book drive at Brooklyn Public Library in early October.A fall favorite returned to Brooklyn: once again, Better World Books hosted the “Great American Book Drive,” inviting area residents and community members of all ages to clean off their cluttered bookshelves and come out to donate pre-loved books to help raise money for Brooklyn Public Library’s collections and programs. It’s exciting to see this program return year after year. It has such a direct affect on the community it serves. It brings people together for a common cause and everyone really looks forward to the opportunity to contribute.

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Confused about how the U.S. unemployment rate is getting better but the S&P just downgraded the U.S. credit rating? Wondering what politics has to do with the global economy? Wish you better understood the stock markets and the safest place to put your well-earned money? We hear ya! Here are some book suggestions that should help you through this mad money time. We also welcome your suggestions for great financial books in the comments below…

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10. It’s more entertaining to ride with friends than alone
9. You have someone to help you carry your books to the BWB Drop Box!
8. Group lunches out of the office
7. You have a live music DJ sitting right next to you
6. You can split the cost of gas and save money
5.  The Earth will hug you
4. Waving at other drivers looks more sane when there’s more than one person doing it
3. Keeps you from staying at work late because you have to get your carpoolers home.
2. There is more room in the parking lot for a BWB drop box!
1. You may get to be on TV!