Starkville School Shares In National Grant Program

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Four Mississippi elementary school libraries are among those getting money from best-selling author James Patterson.

Neshoba Central Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pearl Lower Elementary in Pearl, St. Martin Upper Elementary near Ocean Springs and Sudduth Elementary School in Starkville are among 467 school libraries nationwide that Patterson and Scholastic Reading Club are giving $1.75 million.

Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/1OhFSUa).

First-grade teacher Missy Jones at Pearl Lower Elementary says she’ll spend the money on electronic books and accelerated-reader books for the classroom. Having interesting books on students’ reading levels is key, she says.

St. Martin Upper Elementary librarian Cassandra Lizana hopes new library books and upgrades in technology will spark more enthusiasm for the library