We the People Bookshelf on "Created Equal" 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 and/or letter by March 31, 2008. If your library has not received notification by the stated date, please contact the NEH at 202-606-8337 or wethepeople@neh.gov.
If my library applied for a We the People Bookshelf on "Courage," "Freedom," "Becoming American," or the "Pursuit of Happiness," may we still apply for the "Created Equal" 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 the books in consultation with members of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), divisions of the American Library Association (ALA).
Will NEH substitute other books about "Created Equal" that are not on the Bookshelf list at our request?: 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. We have upgraded our application system this year to make this process simpler. Those wishing to apply on behalf of multiple libraries should register in the online system and answer “Yes” to the question “Are you applying on behalf of multiple libraries.” The online application will then prompt the user to enter mailing information for up to 100 libraries within a system, district or community. See the Guidelines for additional details..
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?: While individual home schools are not eligible to apply, consortia or alliances of home schools may apply for a Bookshelf to place in a common resource center.
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, 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.