Murtaugh Elementary - Bucks for Books

This Donation will buy a book for Murtaugh Elementary in Murtaugh. Their Librarian says "The Murtaugh School District is a rural school with no services within twenty miles. There is no public library and most community members don't have the resources to purchase library cards or the means to get to a public library. The school is the only resource for books within the community. The funds from this program will allow us to provide a wide variety of books for our students, as well as, replace damaged or missing books from our current selection. We will strive to purchase books that interest students at all grade levels (K-6) with input from staff and students. We understand the responsibility to provide quality reading material to our students and look for additional resources to meet the need. Our library is a source of pride for our school and we all contribute to making sure students in Murtaugh have access to books. These funds will assist with our dedication to this goal."

In 2019, the Idaho Lottery learned 28 percent of Idaho elementary schools had a library budget of less than $100 per year for book procurement. In reality, it would take nearly $8,000 every year per school to maintain the library collection students need to succeed. With that in mind, the Idaho Lottery worked with the Idaho Commission for Libraries to start Bucks For Books. Literacy has been a focus of Idaho Governor Brad Little since he took office in 2019. Getting all Idaho students reading at grade level by the third grade is imperative as that is the point where students transition from learning-to-read to reading-to-learn. Having a well-stocked library and the ability for all students to take books home is crucial in getting all Idaho students where they need to be.