As Cleveland High School's new librarian, one of the first problems I noticed when evaluating the library's books is that the collection does not represent the needs of our student population. The Cleveland High School student population represents many cultures with the majority being African-American; our library collection does not reflect a multi-cultural history and therefore the library does not reflect community interests or pride.

Our Library books are dated, with an average publication date of 1976. The books are not politically or informationally accurate, which does not teach success. This is especially true in our Reference Collection, where the focus should be nothing less than student academic achievement. As our students strive towards educational and community success, the library and school need materials to help students take each new step towards becoming an adult.

The "Facts on File Encyclopedia of Black Women in America" set is exactly the kind of material Cleveland High School Library needs to enrich student learning and to embrace our multi-cultural community while teaching education basics like history, business, government, math, and science.

It is hard for students to take pride in education when they cannot take pride in themselves; this is an opportunity to plant a seed for both.

I would like to purchase the Facts on File Encyclopedia of Black Women in America Set (10 Volumes). The cost of the encyclopedia is $349.57 from Facts on File, for a total project cost of $402.00 including shipping and handling, tax, and 15% fulfillment.

Thank you for your help.