The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) and School Library Journal (SLJ) have announced a sixth cycle of a funding program aimed at getting literary fiction and nonfiction inspiring a love of math into the hands of K–12 students in Title I schools. 

Presented by SLMath in partnership with SLJ, the Mathical Collection Development Awards will enable up to 36 libraries in K–12 U.S. schools with high numbers or percentages of low-income students to receive grants of $850 to purchase titles from the Mathical Book Prize list.

Applications may be submitted through November 7. 

The Mathical Book Prize recognizes outstanding youth trade fiction and nonfiction selected to inspire a love of math in the world around us. Prize-winning books span grades PreK through 12 and feature novels, biographies, chapter books, and picture books and are selected every year by a committee of math teachers, reading teachers, mathematicians, librarians, early childhood experts, and others. 

The Mathical Book Prize is awarded by SLMath in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and in coordination with the Children’s Book Council (CBC). The prize is made possible with support from the Firedoll Foundation, the Guru Krupa Foundation, and the Luce-Fahey Family Foundation.

The 2024–25 Mathical Collection Development Awards are generously supported by the Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF). The Guru Krupa Foundation follows a holistic approach to charitable giving, addressing a range of issues from education to basic sustenance, arts & culture, and the environment. In particular, organizations that focus on delivering complementary or supplemental programs for younger children, designed to enhance the learning experience and outcomes, form a core component of many of the Foundation’s initiatives.

Schools applying for the grants will need to document their Title I status. To be eligible for the collection development awards, schools must employ a full- or part-time librarian who meets state requirements for school library media certification and is currently employed as a media specialist, teacher librarian, or equivalent position.

Winners will be determined by SLJ staff. Priority will be given to schools whose library staff demonstrate the greatest promise in using funds to advance the goals of their school library, and who are enthusiastic about encouraging students to explore a love of mathematics in their everyday lives.

For complete application and reporting requirements, visit the Award page.