The National Book Foundation has opened its submissions process for its annual Innovations in Reading Prize.
The $10,000 award will be given to the person who group who creates the most innovative and sustainable program that creates a lifelong love of reading. Applicants can apply now until February 29, 2016 at midnight PST.
“Our previous Innovations in Reading Prize winners have shown that reading has extraordinary benefits for just about any community, including the families of soldiers deployed overseas, incarcerated youth, homeless populations, and small town neighborhoods,” stated Harold Augenbraum, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation. “Through the Innovations in Reading Prize, we aim to recognize, fund, and applaud the efforts of literary activists around the country.”
Last year’s winner and honorable mentions will appear at the Why Reading Matters: Engaging With Literary Activism Across the Globe conference and luncheon on Thursday, February 11, 2016 in New York.
The National Book Foundation has named Reach Incorporated as the winner of the Innovations in Reading Prize. The prize includes a $10,000 prize and is given to “an individual or organization that inspires readers and engages new audiences with literature.”
Reach was chosen for its ability to turn struggling teen readers into elementary school tutors. The program is meant to encourage reading among younger and older students. “We know that the older kids benefit from practicing reading at or just above their current grade level, and the younger students benefit from a one-on-one relationship,” stated Mark Hecker, founder of Reach Incorporated. “Most people see those as two challenges, but we see that as a single solution, so we pair those kids together and watch cool things happen.”
The African Poetry Book Fund, Call Me Ishmael, Lambda Literary and Motionpoems earned honorable mentions.
Do you know a librarian or library with an innovative approach to fostering a love of reading? Fill out an application from the National Book Foundation for the Innovations in Reading Prize!
The Foundation lists “creativity, risk-taking, and a visionary quality” as the most important criteria for selecting winners, who could receive up to $2500 in prizes. Sound like anyone you know?
Last year’s winners included the Maricopa County Library District, recognized for its use of “Deweyless” libraries to promote more user-friendly browsing.
You can complete an application online or call the Foundation at
(212) 685-0261. All applications must be postmarked by February 17, 2010. Winners will be announced to the public on May 3.
