reformadeflorida Chapter News

Congratulations to Buddy Taylor Middle School!!

Congratulations to Kristine Smith and Buddy Taylor Middle School in Palm Coast. Kristine was one of two winners in REFORMA de Florida’s annual Pura Belpré Book Donation Award – open to any library (Little Free, Public, School, Charter, Independent, or Private) in Florida.

Kristine’s school library won a collection of Young Adult books, created by Latinx authors and illustrators in 2025, which portray the Latino cultural experience. She notes that the collection will serve as “literary mirrors” for Hispanic students, while “providing ‘windows’ for her broader student body to understand the rich diversity of the Latino experience.”

Below is a photo from Buddy Taylor Middle School’s new collection. Congratulations again!!

reformadeflorida Chapter News

Congratulations to the Clay County Public Library!!

Congratulations to Kaylee Benner and Clay County Public Library in Fleming Island, FL. Kaylee was one of two winners in REFORMA de Florida’s annual Pura Belpré Book Donation Award – open to any library (Little Free, Public, School, Charter, Independent, or Private) in Florida.

Her library system won a collection of Children’s books, created by Latinx authors and illustrators in 2025, which portray the Latino cultural experience. The collection will be utilized in library branches with a high concentration of Latino users.

Melissa M. McNicol, Deputy Director of Library Services at Clay County, noted that the books “look wonderful” and they “loved the variety.” Below are photos from their new collection. Congratulations again!!

reformadeflorida Chapter News

2025 Pura Belpré Donation Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: REFORMA de Florida 2025 Pura Belpré Book Grant Committee

Submissions now open for REFORMA de Florida 2025 Pura Belpré Book Donation Grant

REFORMA de Florida announces its 2025 Book Donation Grant of Latinx children’s and YA books to a Florida library or organization serving Latinx youth. The grant consists of a donation of a collection of 150-200 children and YA books published in 2024, created by Latinx authors and illustrators portraying the Latino cultural experience in the lives of children. You do not have to be a member of REFORMA de Florida to apply.

Your application should explain how your Florida community will benefit from receiving the books, and include your name, email address, phone number, type of library, name of your library, your status as a REFORMA de Florida member (non-members are welcome to apply), and anything else you’d like the committee to know. The timeline for the 2025 Book Grant application is as follows:

  • February 10: Submission period opens in honor of Pura Belpre’s birthday.
  • March 31: Last day to submit grant applications.
  • April 7: Winners announced during National Library Week.
  • April 15-30: Winning library(s) receive donation of books in time for their April 30th celebration of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day).

To apply by the March 31st deadline, send proposals to: redeflpurabelprebookgrant@gmail.com

About the REFORMA de Florida Pura Belpré Book Donation Grant

Applicants submit proposals to qualify to win a collection of 150-200 books published in 2024 that were among titles submitted by publishers for consideration to the 2025 Pura Belpré Award Selection Committee.

Applicants may include public libraries, school libraries, and/or other institutions providing literacy-based family programs to Latino communities in Florida.

The deadline for submitting applications is March 31, 2025.