The U.S. Dept of Education Guidance Title I Funds Provided under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

G-13. May Title I, Part A ARRA funds be used to purchase library books for a Title I school?

In a Title I school operating a schoolwide program, Title I, Part A ARRA funds may be used to purchase library books if using the funds for that purpose is consistent with needs identified in the comprehensive needs assessment and articulated in the schoolwide plan. In addition, prior to using Title I, Part A ARRA funds for this purpose, an LEA must ensure that the schoolwide school receives all the local or State funds to which it is entitled for the purpose of purchasing library books.

Given that library books are generally available to all students in a school, Title I, Part A ARRA funds may not be used to purchase library books for a Title I school operating a targeted assistance program. Such a school, however, might use Title I, Part A ARRA funds to purchase books that would supplement the reading materials otherwise used with Title I participating students.  Check it out.