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Record $$ Given To K-12 Libraries From BCPL

en.wikipedia.org

School libraries across the Northwoods and the rest of Wisconsin will get their annual funding after the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands announced a record $37.7 million for state public school libraries.

Executive Director Jonathan Barry says the Board was established at the time of Wisconsin's Constitution in 1848. The Common School Fund from land sales and other revenue has about $1 billion dollars that can't be touched by the legislature or Governor. BCPL invests the money in loans to municipalities,local governments and school districts.The earnings from those investments are used to provide funds to the K-12 school districts...

"....we provide the earnings from those investments to provide funds to the K-12 school libraries. This year we announced a record distribution to the K-12 libraries of $37.7 million, some of which goes to the school districts in your area...."

Barry says this money keeps the school libraries in operation...

"....it represents the sole source of support for their libraries other than the salary of the librarian and maybe the physical plant of the building. It's all the materials, books, software, licenses, internet connectivity, etc., etc...."

Rhinelander School District picked up more than $100,000, Northland Pines $47,000, Crandon $35,000, Antigo $113,000, Elcho $14,000, Lakeland Union High School, $36,000, Lac du Flambeau $18,000, Three Lakes, $21,000, Phelps $5,700, and White Lake $9,600, among other districts.

Barry says the funds distributed are enough to put nearly two books in the hand of every child in Wisconsin.

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