Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that the Pocahontas School District will receive $219,911 to update four school libraries and their literacy programs. The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Education under the Literacy and School Libraries program.

The Department of Education awards funding for this grant program to provide students with better access to the latest school library materials and technologically advanced school media equipment. The Pocahontas School District will utilize this award to update four schools’ book collections and acquire new technology for their media centers. The schools are as follows: Alma Spikes Elementary School, M.D. Williams Intermediate School, Pocahontas Junior High School, and Pocahontas High School. The project also aims to increase utilization of school libraries for students, faculty, and families.

“Education is the key to a bright, successful future. These funds will help students in the Pocahontas School District have better access to the resources and tools they need to attain a high-quality education. I’m pleased to see these funds awarded to our state, and I’ll continue to do all I can to keep Arkansas strong,” said Lincoln.

“Libraries are gateways of opportunity for our children,” Pryor said. “I’m pleased these federal dollars will improve our libraries and ensure they are interesting and enjoyable places for children in Pocahontas to learn.”

“Students who must use old or outdated resources face a disadvantage when they enter the workforce,” said Berry.  “Today, school libraries are more than just a place to hold books, they are a center for learning and this funding will give the students more advanced tools and resources to help them better prepare for a successful future.”