School Library Journal (SLJ) and the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) have announced a seventh cycle of a funding program aimed at getting literary fiction and nonfiction inspiring a love of math into the hands of K–12 students in Title I schools. The Mathical Collection Development Awards are available to school libraries in qualifying schools in the U.S.
Presented by SLMath in partnership with SLJ, the collection development awards will enable up to 40 libraries in K–12 schools with high numbers or percentages of low-income students to receive grants of $850 to purchase titles from the Mathical Book Prize list.
Applications open September 23, 2025 and close October 29, 2025.
The Mathical Book Prize recognizes outstanding youth trade fiction and nonfiction selected to inspire a love of math in the world around us. Prize-winning books span grades PreK through 12 and feature novels, biographies, chapter books, and picture books and are selected every year by a committee of math teachers, reading teachers, mathematicians, librarians, early childhood experts, and others.
The Mathical Book Prize is awarded by SLMath in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and in coordination with the Children’s Book Council. The prize is made possible with support from the Firedoll Foundation and the Guru Krupa Foundation.
Schools applying for the grants will need to document their Title I status and must employ a full- or part-time librarian who meets state requirements for school library media certification and is currently employed as a media specialist, teacher librarian, or equivalent position.
Winners will be determined by SLJ staff. Priority will be given to schools whose library staff demonstrate the greatest promise in using funds to advance the goals of their school library, and who are enthusiastic about encouraging students to explore a love of mathematics in their everyday lives.
For more information and to apply, visit the Award page.
2025-26 Mathical Collection Development Awards Sponsor
