With winter holidays just around the corner, the ALA Public Programs Office would like to remind you to set aside time to apply for the newest We the People Bookshelf on the Pursuit of Happiness. Online applications are due by JANUARY 31, 2007. If you are one of nearly 900 librarians who have already submitted an application, thank you!

A project of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), in cooperation with the ALA Public Programs Office, the Bookshelf presents a simple opportunity to acquire new books and materials for your library, develop theme-related programs for young people and their families, and participate in a national library programming initiative.

In spring 2007, ALA and NEH will be awarding a Bookshelf - 15 classic books for young readers on the "Pursuit of Happiness" theme - to 2,000 school (K-12) and public libraries. Selected libraries will also receive four of the titles in Spanish translation, a bonus CD, bookplates, bookmarks and posters to promote local programming.

Guidelines and the application are available online through January 31, 2007. Libraries applying to receive the collection are required to develop a program plan that will introduce the collection and its theme - the "Pursuit of Happiness" - to students and/or patrons. Need programming ideas for your application? Visit

http://maildogmanager.com/link.htmlurl=472&client=ala1&campaign=229&email=kkietzman@sls.lib.ia.us for a list of suggestions and tips. To access to the guidelines and application, book titles, and further details, visit

http://maildogmanager.com/link.htmlurl=472&client=ala1&campaign=229&email=kkietzman@sls.lib.ia.us.

Have questions? Contact publicprograms@ala.org

P.S. Please share this information with other libraries in your area! Multiple libraries within a system/district may apply for and receive Bookshelves.