The Texas Book Festival has awarded more than $2 million in grants to Texas public libraries since its inception in 1996 (view all grant winners). In 2006, the Texas Book Festival donated $204,000 to 69 libraries throughout the state. Several of this year's recipients received $5,000 for "benchmark projects" in literacy and technology. The Texas Book Festival offers grants to initiate or continue innovative literacy programs, install new technology and to complete book collections.

Dennison Public Library was awarded $5,000 for their outstanding literacy project this year called Books for Babies. The library will work with local hospitals, the local health department and the housing authority to distribute Early Literacy packets to new parents containing a first book, a first library card and information about programs available. One of the programs, Every Child Ready to Read, will consist of on-going training sessions and a weekly lap-sit program for parents and their babies. The goal of Books for Babies is to communicate to parents the importance of their role in the success of their child and ultimately the community as a whole. Investment in the success of children benefits everyone’s future. Dennison Public Library is going above and beyond to do their part!