The grant is from the James A. & Faith Knight Foundation

The Friends of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Libraries (FAAPSL) has announced the award of a $15,000 grant from the James A. & Faith Knight Foundation. This generous grant will fund the purchase of approximately 200 audiobooks for the Ann Arbor Public Schools district-wide Sora online library, enhancing access to digital reading resources for over 18,000 students across 32 schools in the district.
“This funding represents a major step forward in ensuring equitable access to diverse and engaging reading materials for all students in the Ann Arbor Public Schools,” said FAAPSL President Mike Robins. “We’re particularly proud of this award, as we were able to achieve it in our first year as an organization.”
Meeting a Growing Need for Audiobooks
Sora, a digital reading app used by AAPS, provides students with access to eBooks, audiobooks, and
more. While the district funds basic access to the platform, the $25 million budget shortfall for the
2024–2025 school year significantly reduced allocations for audiobook purchases. Audiobooks have
proven to be a particularly effective tool for engaging neurodivergent learners and other students who prefer auditory learning. With professional actor-voiced recordings, audiobooks help increase
comprehension and sustain student interest in reading.
The $15,000 grant will directly address this gap, allowing FAAPSL to purchase 200 new titles that would otherwise be unavailable due to the cost-per-circulation model that restricts access to current, in-demand works.
Enhancing Student Success
This initiative aligns with FAAPSL’s mission to support, enhance, and advocate for AAPS libraries. Since its founding in 2024, FAAPSL has focused on advancing volunteer coordination, fundraising for targeted projects, and raising awareness of library services. It is the first Friends group for a public school library system in the nation.
A group of Ann Arbor parents and community members formed FAAPSL when it learned about
insufficient funding for the public school libraries. The American Library Association recommends that schools spend $15 per pupil per year on print books. The national average is $14 per pupil per year. Ann Arbor Public Schools spends $4 per pupil per year.
“I was really shocked, “ said Robins. “Ann Arbor has a reputation for high performing, well-funded public schools. In fact, many people I know cite the schools as their top reason for choosing to live in Ann Arbor. To see so few funds allocated to books was upsetting.”
By expanding the audiobook offerings, FAAPSL ensures more students can engage in choice reading, fostering a love of learning and literacy throughout the district.
“Audiobooks are a critical resource for diverse learners, and this grant helps bridge the gap in access for our students,” said Jennifer Colby, Huron High School Librarian and AAPS Secondary Library Services Department Chair.
Burns Park librarian Rachel Erdstein is also excited about the grant.
“its an amazing opportunity for our students to have access to more books,” she said.
The Impact of Partnership
The James A. & Faith Knight Foundation has long been committed to supporting initiatives that advance education and literacy.
“We are proud to partner with FAAPSL in this important endeavor to enhance educational opportunities for students,” said Carol Knight-Drain, President of the James A. & Faith Knight Foundation.
About FAAPSL
The Friends of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Libraries was founded to provide charitable, literary, and educational support for the district’s library system. The organization raises funds, coordinates
volunteers, and advocates for library resources and programming to ensure all students have access to the tools they need to succeed.
About the James A. & Faith Knight Foundation
The James A. and Faith Knight Foundation was established in 1999 to honor the memory of James A. and Faith Knight and the many sacrifices they made to enable this foundation to carry on their legacy. The James A. and Faith Knight Foundation tries to make a difference in the organizations and communities it serves.
For more information about the Friends of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Libraries or to get involved, visit http://faapsl.org.
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