Ecolab Foundation has awarded $4,000 to Beloit Public Library (BPL) to support its popular BookQuest program.
BookQuest is an annual reading program for 4th and 5th graders that includes author visits and book discussions during the school year, culminating in a friendly battle-of-the-books-style competition between Beloit-area schools in the spring.
Ecolab announced the award in December as part of the company’s U.S. Regional NPO Grant Program.
As a result of these funds, BPL will bring nationally known Author Tracy Occomy Crowder to Beloit this winter to visit area schools to talk about her book Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key. A 2019 New Visions Award Winner, this book was recently featured as OverDrive’s Big Library Read with its story of discovery, resilience, and the power of community.
The grant also will cover author-signed book giveaways, trophies, and lunch for participants in the competition.
“We appreciate Ecolab for supporting literacy and the love of reading with our children,” said Jessica Graminske, Head of Library Services for Beloit Public Library.
The Ecolab Foundation Grant supports Beloit Public Library’s mission to provide enriching and inspiring learning opportunities by providing access to books that reflect the diversity of the community. Book giveaways in collaboration with author visits are known to encourage the love of both reading and writing.