Funding initiatives to support weather-impacted school libraries

Kia ora koutou
SLANZA is involved in two initiatives to support weather-impacted school libraries. Schools can benefit from both of these initiatives, not just one or the other. 
 
The first is the Books Back Better project. Launched in March 2023 in response to Cyclone Gabrielle, Books Back Better is a fundraising effort between SLANZA, Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand, and Books Back Better to gather monetary donations that will be used to buy Booksellers Tokens. These book tokens will be distributed to Aotearoa school libraries that have been affected by the cyclone, and who fit project criteria via an application process.  

National Library is working closely with SLANZA and the Books Back Better project to coordinate communications and offers of support for school libraries. 

Thank you to all those who have already donated to this cause. Donations will still be accepted until 3 July 2023 at http://www.slanza.org.nz/donate.html 

If you know of weather-impacted school libraries, please encourage them to apply for the Books Back Better funding. The application form can be found on our SLANZA website. 

The second initiative SLANZA is associated with is supporting the work being done by National Library to implement the government funding. Please read National Library’s communication on this: 

• As part of Budget 2023, the National Library has been successful in securing funding through a joint $1 million initiative with the Ministry of Education for the replacement of school library collections, related resources and shelving, where these have been lost due to North Island weather events and insurance is unable to fund replacement in new condition.  
  
• The National Library’s Services to Schools are being funded to work with schools in weather-affected areas to identify and support the selection of new, high-quality library books that reflect current curriculum and literacy needs. Suppliers will be procured and managed by the National Library, with the Ministry of Education funded to pay for the books purchased. While the National Library and the Ministry of Education will make decisions on expenditure, books will be purchased in conjunction with input from librarians and teachers from the schools, to help meet the diverse needs and interests of learners within each school community. 
  
• This initiative will complement community responses such as the ‘Books Back Better’ project which is fundraising to distribute book tokens to affected schools, kura, kohanga reo and kindergartens. 
  
• More details will follow in the coming weeks. Schools needing assistance will be offered new, high-quality books that reflect current curriculum and literacy needs. They will also be offered advice and support from the National Library to help re-establish school library services. 
  
• You can check for updates on the National Library’s website, https://natlib.govt.nz/schools/our-work/latest-news-and-updates    ​

SLANZA is proud to be associated with both these initiatives to benefit the school libraries that have been impacted by extreme weather events. 
Ngā mihi nui
Julia
Julia Smith BAppSci (LIS)
Qualified Librarian
Kerikeri High SchoolKerikeri High School