The Texas Book Festival has awarded the Arlington Public Library a Collections Enhancement Grant of $2,494.33. The grant will be used to expand the Spanish Language collection at the East Branch Library. All titles purchased will be available to any Arlington Public Library patron upon request.

Every year, public libraries across Texas apply to the Texas Book Festival to receive grant funds. The grants are intended to help initiate or continue innovative literacy and technology programs and to update and increase book collections. This year, the Festival is distributing grants up to $5,000 to 19 libraries. Since its founding, the Festival has contributed more than $2.5 million in grants to over 600 Texas public libraries.

East Arlington Branch Library, 1624 New York Avenue, is dedicated to meeting the needs of the neighborhood. It houses the largest international collection of any of the six branches in the library system, with books, movies and music in Spanish and Vietnamese. A family Learning Lab and a Youth Technology Center provide opportunities for people of all ages to explore their potential by developing reading and technology skills.

"Our public libraries provide invaluable services that advance the causes of literacy, education, and life-long learning. We are committed to supporting the important work of Texas public libraries," said Lois Kim, Executive Director of the Texas Book Festival. "We are proud that we can continue to help libraries meet the needs of their community."

The Texas Book Festival raises money for the grants from individual, corporate, and foundation sponsorships, the annual Gala, and from book sales at the annual Festival. TBF is a nonprofit organization that celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by Laura Bush and a group of interested volunteers, the annual Festival is held on the grounds of the Texas Capitol. It features readings and discussions from more than 250 renowned Texas and national authors, entertaining and informing more than 40,000 adults and children alike, free of cost. The 2014 Texas Book Festival is scheduled for October 25 and 26.

TBF supports Texas public libraries and literacy through its Library Grants and Reading Rock Stars programs. TBF also hosts year-round literacy events across the state. For more information, visit www.texasbookfestival.org.