libraries

In 2015, James Patterson pledged $1.25 million for school libraries, raised it to $1.75 million, and later funded 3,500 teachers

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James Patterson pledged $1.25 million in 2015 to fund school library grants, later increasing the donation to $1.75 million. By 2016, 467 schools had received support for books, programs, technology, and repairs. The flexible grants helped schools address their own library needs. (Wikimedia Commons)

For children searching for their favorite stories, school libraries need more than a basic collection of books. Building a useful library requires funding for new titles, equipment maintenance, and reading materials that reflect students’ interests. In March 2015, best-selling author James Patterson pledged $1.25 million to support school libraries across the United States. James Patterson … Read more

Iowa woman left a $3 million estate for 485 libraries and 128 senior community centres; her quiet final act is now transforming education and elder care in small towns across the state

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Iowa woman left a $3 million estate for 485 libraries and 128 senior community centres; her quiet final act is now transforming education and elder care in small towns across the state

Norma Jean Warner lived a quiet life in Des Moines, Iowa, working at an optical shop, saving carefully and volunteering through church organisations. She and her husband, Waldo, had no children and lived modestly, but Warner spent years planning what would happen to her money after her death. When she died in 2023 at 85, … Read more

Mississippi teen Madalyn Sullivan wrote an autism-acceptance book inspired by her sister and sent it to libraries in all 82 counties; she has now finished second at Miss America’s Teen

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Mississippi teen Madalyn Sullivan wrote an autism-acceptance book inspired by her sister and sent it to libraries in all 82 counties; she has now finished second at Miss America’s Teen

As Miss Mississippi’s Teen, Sullivan planned to use her platform to support families affected by autism. Madalyn Sullivan, Miss Mississippi’s Teen and an Oxford native, has finished as first runner-up at Miss America’s Teen. The high school student reached the national stage after years of advocating for autism acceptance, inspired by her sister, and using … Read more