Pequot Library Announces 'Books for Teachers' Vouchers Available

From the Pequot Library: An important fact of Pequot Library’s Summer Book Sale is a program connecting library used book sales with underserved school classrooms. For 15 years the Renée B. Fisher Foundation’s Books for Teachers program has been active at Pequot Library. The foundation’s program started with a simple idea: provide books of all types and subjects to children whose access may be limited through their schools. What better place to find a rich resource of books at affordable prices than a library book sale?

The Renée B. Fisher Foundation is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization located in Greens Farms, Connecticut. Pequot Library hosts the flagship program, serving underserved school communities in Bridgeport and New Haven. Teachers who have benefited from the program in previous years have remarked on the wide variety of material at the sale, including books, media, records, and prints – all of which can be used in numerous ways to encourage reading, research, and discovery. Teachers use the books to supplement classroom libraries and as reading incentive awards. One teacher used her treasure trove of art books found at the Summer Book Sale to inspire creative art projects for her students.

All public school teachers in the Bridgeport and New Haven school districts are encouraged to apply now to receive $100 in Books for Teachers "Bucks" to spend at Pequot Library’s Summer Book Sale.

Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline is June 30, 2017. To apply please visit hereand click on Book Sales, Summer Book Sale, then Books for Teachers, or email: booksforteachers@pequotlibrary.org.

Last year 317 teachers from Bridgeport public schools and 159 New Haven teachers applied. One New Haven teacher commented, “Thank you so much for the opportunity to pick books for my class. I teach first grade and many of my students have no books at home. Your grant truly helps the most needy students.” A librarian from a Bridgeport school said, “I had never been to the Pequot Library but I had heard of the famous book sale. You were kind enough to grant me a Books for Teachers award and not only did I find many of the titles I needed, but I also was able to get some great DVDs to enhance our small collection. I also found SAT prep books. Ours are more than 10 years old and I did not have money to replace them. Many thanks. Your gift has led to a significant upgrade of my collection.”

Known as “The Best Book Sale in New England,” Pequot Library’s 57th Annual Summer Book Sale will be held July 21 – 25, 2017. Admission is free and the sale is open to the public. There will be over 140,000 books in over 60 categories, plus CDs, DVDs, records, and special items. Proceeds help fund Pequot Library's 750+ annual programs and events for all ages.

Due to the increase in applications from the Books for Teachers program, Pequot Library is asking the community to donate new or gently used children’s and young adult books. Books can be donated in the gray garage off of Pequot Library’s parking lot, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pequot Library wishes to thank media sponsors WSHU Public Radio and Serendipity magazine for their support.

Please visit here to learn more about this vibrant library, educational, arts and cultural institution. All classes and programs are open to everyone. For information: (203) 259-0346 ext. 15. Follow Pequot Library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Pequot Library Brings Culture to Life!

A Pequot Library volunteer checks in teachers for the Books for Teachers book voucher program during Pequot Library's 2016 Summer Book Sale.

Image via the Pequot Library