Williston Among Cities Awarded Grants For Reading Programs

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that 17 libraries and schools across the state have received $255,000 in grants to support local programs aimed at promoting summer reading.

"Reading regularly is critical for young people to build literacy skills and enhance their ability to think critically and analyze information necessary for daily life," Baesler said. "I’m delighted that all 17 applicants were able to secure a portion of the available funding."

Grant awards ranged from $10,000 to $20,000, sourced from federal pandemic relief funds. The recipients used the money to support various activities, such as "book bingo" and book breakfast clubs.

The Beulah library hosted several events with local authors, giving students the chance to learn about the writing process. They also introduced a “road map challenge” to encourage visits to nearby libraries. During “Maker Mondays,” students used materials from a supply cart to complete building challenges.

Cando organized a “breakfast book club” and set weekly reading goals. In Washburn, students submitted more than 200 reading logs and completed 18 “book bingo” cards, which earned them entry passes to the North Dakota Gateway to Science in Bismarck.

Napoleon offered story times for younger students and STEM activities for older ones. Bowman launched a “summer reading adventure,” equipping kids with backpacks, reading journals, and books of their choice.

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Grant distribution was as follows:

$20,000:

• Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
• Carrington City Library
• Dickinson Area Public Library
• Grand Forks Public Library
• Lake Region Public Library
• Morton Mandan Public Library

$15,000:

• Beulah Public Library
• Cando Community Library
• Divide County Public Library
• Leach Public Library
• Williston Community Library

$10,000:

• Bowman Regional Public Library
• Mayville Public Library
• Napoleon Public Library
• New Town City Library
• Oakes Public School
• Washburn Public Library

"It was inspiring to see the creativity our local librarians showed in developing programs, games, and community activities to foster a love of summer reading," Baesler added.