Improving Literacy through School Libraries Program This school year, three Maine school districts were awarded Improving Literacy through School Libraries grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The grants added more than $250,000 to school libraries in Maine. The LSL program " promotes comprehensive local strategies to improve student reading achievement by improving school library services and resources. The LSL program is one component of the Department's commitment to dramatically improve student achievement by focusing available resources, including those of school library media centers, on reading achievement. School library media centers can contribute to improved student achievement by providing up-to-date instructional materials aligned to the curriculum and instructional practices, collaborating with and supporting teachers, administrators, and parents, and extending their hours of operation beyond the school day. " For those interested in the Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) Program. The US Department of Education is in the process of preparing the application package for FY 2003 . There will be some minor modifications and clarifications from last year's application package. It should be available late February or early March. The eligibility and schedule is not yet posted to the web, but I've been told that the grants will be read in mid May . Sylvia K. Norton Library, Information, and Technology Services Maine Department of Education/Maine State Library [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> 207-287-5620 1-800-322-8899 Mailing Address: Maine State Library 64 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333