INDIANA—The American Association of School Libraries (AASL) is inviting applications for its Innovative Reading Grant, a $2,500 award to fund unique programs that motivate and encourage reading among learners in kindergarten through ninth grade, with a special focus on struggling readers.
The grant supports projects with high potential to improve reading skills and literacy development. To be eligible for the award, a successful reading program must:
- Promote the importance of reading.
- Facilitate the literacy development of learners.
- Be supported by current reading research, practice, and policy.
Application Requirements and Post-Grant Opportunities
Applicants must submit a comprehensive project plan that clearly outlines a timeline, budget, and the program’s clear purpose.
The grant also offers recipients opportunities to share their successful work with the national library community:
- National Conference Presentation: The grant recipient may be invited to present their study and results at a future AASL National Conference.
- Publication: The recipient may be invited to write an article for the AASL’s journal, Knowledge Quest. This article would detail the reading incentive project, share its successes and challenges, and provide recommendations for other school librarians to replicate the program.
How to Apply
Applicants must be a personal member of AASL to be considered for the award.
The deadline for application submissions is February 1, 2026. Interested applicants can log in and access the application portal by clicking here (Note: The provided text used “Click here” without an actual URL; this is a placeholder).
