We the People Bookshelf
on "A More Perfect Union"
Frequently Asked Questions

Will only successful applicants receive notification about the outcome of the application?

No. All applicants will be notified by NEH, regardless of the outcome of their applications. Libraries will be notified via e-mail by April 9, 2010. If your library has not received notification by then, please contact NEH at 202-606-8337 or wethepeople@neh.gov.

If my library applied for a previous We the People Bookshelf (on "Courage," "Freedom," "Becoming American," the "Pursuit of Happiness," “Created Equal,” or "Picturing America") may we still apply for the "A More Perfect Union" Bookshelf?

Yes. In fact, if the Bookshelf has become part of a successful ongoing program at your library, you may wish to mention this in your narrative.

My library is unable to submit an application online. How can I apply for a We the People Bookshelf?

Contact the We the People Bookshelf program at wethepeople@neh.gov or 202-606-8337.

Do libraries have to return the books at the end of the program?

No, libraries keep the books and add them to their permanent collections. No sales are permitted.

Other than featuring the books in programs, are there any long-term restrictions on how libraries may use these books?

Yes. Libraries are expected to add the books to their permanent collections.

How were the books chosen?

NEH selected these books in consultation with members of the ALA and members of the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the ALA.

Will NEH substitute at our request other books about "A More Perfect Union" that are not on the Bookshelf list?

No.

Are there any hidden charges such as shipping costs? Do libraries have to pay or commit funds for anything?

No. NEH will cover all costs associated with the books (e.g., shipping and bookplates). Libraries are expected, however, to pay for the programs and publicity proposed in their applications.

May the branch library of a large system apply for the We the People Bookshelf if the parent library is also applying?

Yes, multiple libraries within a library or school district may apply for a Bookshelf. Each individual library must submit its own application unless the library system or school district submits applications on behalf of its member libraries or schools. See the next question.

May a library system or school district apply on behalf of its member libraries or schools?

Yes. The application system is designed to make it possible for the central office of a library system or school district to apply on behalf of its members, up to a limit of one hundred libraries. See the Guidelines for additional details on how to complete the application. Note that an application on behalf of multiple libraries imposes special responsibilities on the Project Director. See the next question

What are the responsibilities of the Project Director in cases where he or she represents one entity applying on behalf of multiple libraries?

If you submit an application on behalf of multiple schools or libraries, you as Project Director will be responsible for communicating with each participating library about the project: i.e., sharing the narrative statement, notifying them of the award, and checking program status during the grant term.

Are individuals or organizations other than public or school (K-12) libraries eligible to apply for a Bookshelf?

Other libraries, such as "special" or "research" libraries, with circulating collections and reading-based programs for the general public are also eligible to apply. However, individuals and other organizations are not eligible to apply.

Are home schools eligible to apply for a We the People Bookshelf?

No, neither home schools nor home school consortia are eligible to apply directly for the Bookshelf. We instead encourage home schools and home school consortia to work with local schools or public libraries to bring the Bookshelf into their communities. Other non-library organizations, such as museums, historical societies, and civic groups, have used this strategy to gain access to previous Bookshelves. The applicant must be a library, and the Bookshelf must be housed in the library to which it is awarded.

Are military base libraries or Department of Defense schools eligible to apply for a Bookshelf?

No. Schools and libraries operated by federal entities, such as the Department of Defense or the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are not eligible to receive the Bookshelf from NEH.

What if my school is only K-8 or grades 9-12? Can we give the books that don't apply to our grade levels to a nearby school?

No. The Bookshelf may not be sold or broken up. It must remain as part of the applicant library's collection. Many schools find the books useful for family reading nights, working with ESL students, and literacy programs.