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We the People Bookshelf

We the People Picturing America Bookshelf

Image courtesy of Julie Paschkis

NEH, ALA Announce We the People “A More Perfect Union” Bookshelf

The American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Programs Office is partnering with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for the seventh We the People Bookshelf project.  Part of the NEH’s We the People program, the Bookshelf encourages young people to read and understand great literature while exploring themes in American history.

This year’s theme, “A More Perfect Union,” invites reflection on the idea of the United States as a “union,” a “One” as well as a “Many,” and will complement library programs observing the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.  To stimulate programming, the Bookshelf features a DVD edition of “The Civil War,” the award-winning documentary by Ken Burns, including the rights to show the series to public audiences.  Additional bonus materials provided are the companion book to the series and “Declaring Independence: The Origin and Influence of America’s Founding Document,” edited by Christian Y. Dupont.  

Public and school (K-12) libraries are invited to apply online from Sept. 8, 2009, through Jan. 29, 2010, at http://publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf.  In spring 2010, NEH and ALA will select 4,000 libraries to receive the 17 books for young readers, as well as bonus materials for readers of all ages, and the option to receive three titles in Spanish translation. Libraries selected will be required to use the Bookshelf selections in programs for young readers in their communities.

The Bookshelf grants are part of the NEH’s We the People program, which aims to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture through libraries, schools, colleges, universities and cultural institutions.  Since 2003, NEH has awarded 13,000 We the People Bookshelves to public and school libraries.

Find out more about the We the People Bookshelf, including FAQs and guidelines.

Questions may be directed to the ALA Public Programs Office, publicprograms@ala.org or 800.545.2433 x5045.

This page brought to you by the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office.

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