The Harlem Public Library is the recipient of the Children's Book Project grant award from The Pilcrow Foundation. Because of this grant the library has added 95 new picture books as well as juvenile fiction and nonfiction selections to the children's collection.

The Pilcrow Foundation's mission is to provide new, quality, hardcover children's books to rural public libraries across the United States. The foundation recognizes the importance of public libraries in rural communities where people come together to learn and share ideas. Providing quality children's books to rural public libraries ensures an opportunity for active engagement within the community and lifelong learning.

The new books provided through the Children's Book Project are part of the Harlem Library's permanent children's book collection, ensuring children's access to quality books for years to come.

The grant was sponsored through a generous donation from Tamara Belland of Iowa whose gift supplied two-thirds of the books from The Pilcrow Foundation. As part of the grant requirements a local community sponsor must donate one-third, or four hundred dollars, towards the grant. The library wishes to thank the Friends of the Harlem Public Library for their generous contribution.

In addition to the 72 books from The Pilcrow Foundation, the library also received books through the donor-sponsored portion of this program. Shout Mouse Press donated two books and an additional 21 math and science books were provided by a generous donation from Mr. Hal Berenson and Mrs. Laura Ackerman of Colorado.

The library is celebrating the wonderful addition of these new children's books. They are now on display in the children's section and are ready to be checked out. As part of the celebration the library has made a video "Read on the Red Carpet" in which some of our special patrons help to showcase a portion of the titles in a book style show. You will see many of the other titles in the background. Thanks to Angie Hawley, Harlem High School Librarian, and assistant librarian, Carly Vauthier, this video is available for viewing on our Facebook page. This project is part of Angie's practicum at the library this summer to complete her library degree. Thank you to all the wonderful patrons who took part in the video.

The library again thanks all the donors for their generous donations and to The Pilcrow Foundation for the Children's Book Project grant.