Two Rochester schools receive national recognition with library grants from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries

Rochester, New York – Two schools in the Rochester City School District are celebrating a meaningful boost to their library resources, thanks to a grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. Abelard Reynolds School No. 42 and World of Inquiry School No. 58 have each been awarded $5,000 to refresh and expand their library collections as part of the foundation’s 2025 grant cycle.

The prestigious award is part of a nationwide effort to support school libraries in underserved communities. This year, the foundation selected 220 schools across 38 states, distributing more than $1 million in funding to help students access books that reflect their identities and interests, as well as encourage lifelong learning.

“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,” said former First Lady Laura Bush, founder of the initiative.

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The grant money will enable both Rochester schools to not only add new titles to their collections, but also make those collections more inclusive and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds. Educators at both schools see the funding as an opportunity to make their libraries more than just book rooms—they want them to be safe, welcoming spaces where children can feel seen and inspired.

“This grant helps us put stories in front of our students that reflect who they are and inspire them to read more,” said Dr. Demario Strickland, Interim Superintendent of Schools. “We are grateful to the Laura Bush Foundation for their continued support and for helping us make our libraries places where all students feel seen, heard, and excited to learn.”

The timing of the announcement coincided with the annual Laura Bush Book Club event, part of the Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint. At the event, Mrs. Bush unveiled her 2025 summer reading list—an annual tradition featuring curated book picks for young readers up through middle school.

This year’s list includes 16 titles, among them I Loved You First, written by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, and First Ladies Make History, a nonfiction picture book co-authored by Anita McBride—Mrs. Bush’s former Chief of Staff—and her daughter, Giovanna McBride. In a generous gesture inspired by the foundation’s mission, the McBrides will donate a copy of their book to every elementary school that has received a grant from the Laura Bush Foundation since 2002.

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Since its launch in 2002, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries has awarded $23 million in grants to more than 4,000 schools across the United States. Its goal is clear: to strengthen school libraries in high-need areas and ensure all children have access to quality reading materials that foster imagination, knowledge, and personal growth.

The next round of library grant applications, for the 2025–2026 academic year, will open in late 2025. Schools interested in applying can find more information at bushcenter.org/laurabushfoundation.
For Rochester students, this grant is more than just a donation—it’s a doorway to possibility. With new books on their shelves and fresh stories to explore, students at School No. 42 and School No. 58 are poised to discover not only new worlds, but also their own voices.