Friendship Elementary Library Awarded Youth Literacy Grant

Friendship Elementary School (FES) in Southern York County School District was recently awarded $2,000 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grant for the 2018-19 school year. This is the second time in two years that Friendship received a Youth Literacy Grant.

Anne Bozievich, FES library media specialist applied for the grant last spring entitled ‘Diverse Books for Diverse Readers.’ The grant money will provide the library with nonfiction books about countries and cultures around the world, books by authors and illustrators from diverse backgrounds featuring minority characters, and biographies that represent people from a variety of cultures.

“Our students come to us from a wide range of backgrounds, and my goal is that every student is able to see themselves reflected on the pages of books,” said Bozievich. “I want them to know that we value all peoples’ stories, and my hope is that having a diverse collection of literature sparks conversations about kindness, empathy, and tolerance. I truly believe that libraries are safe spaces for all students to learn and explore, and I’m excited to share so many wonderful and diverse titles with our teachers and students.”

FES Principal Lisa Boyer described Bozievich as “very skilled and resourceful at finding funding which enrich our students’ learning environment,” and continually seeks to sharpen her skills by participating in professional development in the areas of reading and innovation. “We are fortunate to have her on our team!”

Bozievich is one of many faculty members in SYC who invest the extra time and energy to seek out, effectively advocate for and secure grant funding to expand opportunities and resources in the district.