The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) program is designed to improve the reading achievement of students by providing them with access to up-to-date school library materials, technologically advanced school library media centers and professionally certified school library media specialists. This discretionary grant program was authorized in 2002 and provides funds to local educational agencies in which 20 percent of the students are from families with incomes below the poverty line.

Department of Education Secretary Rod Paige praised Representative Berry and the Arkansas Senatorial Delegation in bringing these grants to the First Congressional District, “The support of Representative Berry along with Senators Lincoln and Pryor has been critical to our efforts to ensure that every child has an opportunity to learn, and I applaud their efforts on behalf of the state’s children.”

Grant allocations for the First Congressional District were awarded in the following amounts:

·         Jonesboro School District - $174,489

·         Trumann School District - $70,659