NAPLES — The Idaho Lottery’s Bucks for Books program delivered a couple really big gifts to the Naples Elementary School on Thursday, Dec. 5.

In conjunction with the Idaho Commission for Libraries, the Idaho Lottery awarded Naples Elementary School with a $2,000 check and a box of books to jump start the school library’s much-needed new collection of reading materials.

The Books for Bucks program mission is to have all children reading at grade level by the third grade. The theory is that libraries need to be well-stocked with books.

Statistics on Idaho’s elementary school library budgets have been tallied to show that a whopping 28 percent of Idaho elementary school libraries have a budget of less than $100 to purchase books.

To help meet the elementary schools’ book procurement needs, the Idaho Lottery began a program where players were able to donate their VIP Points during the month of September.

Instead of using their player points to purchase items or for sweepstakes entries, some lottery players chose to donate it to the Books for Bucks Program to help the schools with this huge deficit and need.

“Players donated their points to the program to raise over $6,000,” said Elizabeth Kidd, the internet marketing specialist for the Idaho Lottery.

“Naples Elementary is one of 12 schools receiving awards from this initial round of Bucks for Books,” said David Workman, Idaho Lottery public information specialist. “The school will be using their award to replace an aging book library and to increase book inventory for all of their students.”

Naples Elementary was chosen for the award after an essay was entered authored by school librarian, Amber Balk.

“We are most thankful to the Bucks for Books program and for Amber Balk in pursuing this grant,” said Harmon Newhouse, the Naples Elementary School principal.

“School budgets in Idaho are tight, which can sometimes lead to schools making sacrifices,” said Newhouse. “The purpose of the grant is to directly benefit our library by providing more books for our students.”

The award assembly’s most exciting moment was Balk’s opening of the giant gift box of books, which elicited a roar of applause from the student audience.

“I love books, this is so cool,” said Balk as she happily looked through the box of books donated by an Idaho bookstore. ““I feel very fortunate to have been chosen for this grant, especially since it will benefit the amazing students of Naples.”

More information on the Idaho Lottery Bucks for Books Idaho School Library Program can be found at: idaholottery.com/pages/bucksforbooks