As part of the We the People program, which strives to strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture, the National Endowment for the Humanities is teaming up with Ihe American Library . Association to sponsor two grant opportunities for thousands of school and public libraries in 2008.

"Created Equal" is the theme of the We the People Bookshelf grant, and 2.250 recipients will receive a collection of books for young readers about equality. Some of the titles and a "History in a Box" resource kit will focus on Abraham Lincoln, in celebration of the anniversary of his 200th birthday. School (K-12) and public libraries map apply, and applicants can submit an application for a single library or on behalf of library systems or districts. Iibraries receiving the grant must agree to use the selections in programs for young readers. Applications are being accepted from September 10, 2007 through January 25, 2008. For further information and a link to the online application, go to public programs.ala.org/bookshelf.

The We the People "Picturing America" grant initiative is intended to "promote the teaching, study, and understanding of American art and history in K-12 schools, and to facilitate interdisciplinary  partnerships between school library media specialists, art teachers, classroom instructors, and other educators.

Thousands of grant recipients will receive a collection of large-scale laminated reproductions
depicting works of American art as well as other resources on American art and history. Libraries must agree to display the images and incorporate them in their classes during the school year.

Applications from school libraries will be accepted from ]anuary 7 through March 17, 2008. Systems and districts can submit a simple application on behalf of multiple libraries. (This article summary only, to get the full text please login or register and contact admin web)