The Marshallville Public Library of the Middle Georgia Regional Library System will unveil the 2020 Coretta Scott King Book Donation Grant on Thursday, August 19 at a public ceremony. Marshallville was one of three organizations in the nation to receive copies of 33 books for 2020. 

Lautzenheiser says the opportunity to receive the Coretta Scott King Book Donation increases the effectiveness of these efforts and provides new opportunities for the youth of Marshallville. She also applauds the dedication of Marshallville’s Branch Manager Robbie Robinson, who makes a meaningful impact on the youth of the city even with significant financial and societal challenges within the county. 

The unveiling of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Donation will be at the Marshallville Public Library,  at 11:00 am. The books will be available for patrons to check out after the ceremony. 

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Donation Grant was created to help build collections and bring books into the lives of children in preschool programs, faith-based reading projects, homeless shelters, charter schools, underfunded libraries, and other community organizations. The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee believes children’s lives must be saturated with books and reading opportunities that add value.“It is an honor to have Marshallville Public Library receive this donation grant,” said Jennifer Lautzenheiser, Middle Georgia Regional Library Director. “This collection is filled with outstanding African American authors and illustrators for children and young adults that encourage the artistic expression of the African-American experience through literature and the graphic arts. These types of materials would not be available to the children of this community without this grant. “  The Marshallville Public Library’s budget for print library materials comes from a state grant which is based upon population. The library receives $191 per year to purchase new materials and is supplemented with donations which allow for an inflow of new materials but limits the ability to cultivate an intentional collection.The Marshallville Public Library commits to providing display space and programming for full engagement with this collection.