The Libri Foundation, a nationwide non-profit organization, donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries throughout the United States. After a library receives a grant, local sponsors, such as formal or informal Friends groups, civic or social organizations, local business, and others, have four months, or longer if necessary, to raise their matching funds. The librarian of each participating library selects the books the library will receive from a booklist provided by The Libri Foundation. The 720 fiction and nonfiction titles on the booklist reflect the very best of children's literature published in the last three years. These titles, which are for children 12 and under, are award-winners or have received starred reviews in library, literary, and education journals.
Libraries are qualified on an individual basis.
Applications are accepted from independent libraries as well as libraries which are part of a county, regional, or cooperative library system. A library system may also apply if all the libraries in the system meet these requirements. Application deadlines are April 1 and August 1, 2000. Mirroring the first event, the ladies wore period costumes and graciously escorted visitors to their seats, serving chocolate, Canadian tea, and other treats. The Friends of the Library and the Library Board also participated in organizing the event.