FROM EVERY CHILD A READER, SCBWI, ILF, AND THE AGENTS SPONSOR CIRCLE

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is joining forces with the Literary Agent Circle of Sponsors of Every Child a Reader to support literacy and learning in school libraries nationwide.

The Literary Agent Circle of Sponsors has contributed $10,000 to purchase and distribute books for school libraries. The donation has been made via Every Child a Reader and administered by the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund (ILF) through its cornerstone initiative, All Readers Welcome, which supports access to books for young readers and helps strengthen school library collections.

The agencies supporting this effort are:

Every Child a Reader and Children’s Book Council Executive Director Carl Lennertz said, “We are beyond thrilled to partner with SCBWI’s Impact and Legacy Fund to get books into underfunded school libraries. This grant was made possible by our Literary Agent Sponsor Circle, who passionately believe in wider book access. This is the largest single grant we’ve ever made, and I can’t think of better partners than SCBWI and ILF and, as a school library kid myself, for a better cause.”

“This new partnership between the CBC and SCBWI is a perfect example of the magic that happens when organizations work together for the benefit of young people,” said Sarah Baker, SCBWI Executive Director, “From the SCBWI staff and ILF steering committee, to the CBC, Every Child a Reader, and the Literary Agent Sponsor Circle, we’re all privileged to be able to help put a diverse range of high-quality books in the hands of students who need them the most.”

Lin Oliver, SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Managing Director, noted, “The SCBWI’s Impact and Legacy Fund initiated the All Readers Welcome program, the brainchild of ILF Steering Committee member Federico Erebia, over three years ago.  In that time, we have provided high-quality, diverse books to underfunded school libraries serving over 37,000 students across the United States.  This new partnership ensures school librarians’ continued opportunity to keep their bookshelves full, fresh, free, and relevant to the children in their communities.  The right book in a child’s hands can change a life.  We are brimming with pride to be part of this mission.”

All Readers Welcome will oversee the purchase and distribution of books to eligible school libraries, with a focus on expanding access to high-quality, inclusive reading materials and supporting educators and librarians serving diverse student populations.