The Kalona Public Library received a $700 Libri Foundation Grant to help purchase quality children’s books. The grant was matched two-to-one by a $350 contribution from the Friends of the Kalona Public Library.

The Libri Foundation of Eugene, Oregon is a non-profit foundation established in 1989 solely to aid small, rural libraries to obtain children’s books. Generally, libraries that qualify for grants serve populations less than 5,000, have a very limited budget, and have an active children’s department.

Kalona learned last fall that it had been accepted as a participant in the Foundation’s Books for Children program.

As a result of the grant and its matching component, the library had $l,050 for new children’s books. That has since translated into 68 new books ranging from picture books, easy readers, non-fiction and junior fictions.

The new collection will be promoted in the library by having children fill out short reviews of each book they read. Kerri Bell, a 2nd grade teacher at Kalona Elementary School, has agreed to have her students review some of the books. Students at Pathway Christian School also will write some reviews.

All reviews will be posted on the library’s bulletin board, later complied into a booklet available to the public.

The books and review forms are now available at the library.