GCHS Named Recipient of Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Grant

Granite City, Ill., May 14, 2025 – Granite City High School was one of 220 schools from 38 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded over $1 million in library grants.

The $5,000 grant for the Granite City High School library was made possible through the dedicated efforts of GCHS library/media center specialist Jennifer Connolly, who authored the grant proposal.

"Books have the power to spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning. We are thrilled to provide these grants so that librarians can refresh their shelves — opening the door for students to discover new interests and endless adventures," Mrs. Laura Bush said.

The next round of library grant applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in late 2025. Visit bushcenter.org/laurabushfoundation to learn more.   

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded $23 million to over 4,000 schools across the country.  

The George W. Bush Institute’s Education and Opportunity work, which houses the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.  

More information can be found at bushcenter.org/laurabushfoundation and www.bushcenter.org.