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Special to the Signal
The University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies will award more than $6,000 in new, free books to school libraries in the Black Belt region of the state during February via the SLIS Book Bonanza for the Black Belt (and Beyond) program.

School librarians in the Black Belt counties of Alabama and other economically disadvantaged areas of the state are encouraged to apply for free books that will be awarded by Dr. Jamie C. Naidoo, an associate professor in the UA School of Library and Information Studies.

“To succeed in life, all children need equal opportunities to receive a solid education that will prepare them to be life-long learners, critical thinkers and contributing members of society,” Naidoo said. “Many of the schools eligible for the book grant have severely outdated and worn library books that do not meet the informational and educational needs of 21st century learners. These schools have not received funds for new books for several years.”

Interested school librarians can download and complete the application sheet and email it to jcnaidoo@slis.ua.edu with “Book Bonanza” in the subject line or fax it to 205/348-3746.

Applications must be received no later than midnight Feb. 20. Applications are available on the program website: http://blackbeltbookbonanza.weebly.com/

The School of Library and Information Studies is part of the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences.