CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Students, family, volunteers and staff from Albemarle Road Elementary School unveiled the school's newly renovated library on Friday.
The renovation was all part of the Target School Library Makeovers program, which transforms school libraries to inspire a love of reading among students.
Target has teamed up with The Heart of America Foundation to achieve these renovations at schools around the country that are in-need of new libraries.
The renovations include new technology, paint, lighting, flooring and shelving, as well as customized wall art and murals. In addition, the library received 2,000 new books to fill the shelves. Students and their siblings that helped out in the makeover also received seven books to take home.
"Thanks to Target and The Heart of America Foundation, our students now have a much richer range of critical tools to develop and succeed academically," said Leah Davis, principal, Albemarle Road Elementary. "We're honored to be one of the 32 schools in 30 cities to receive a complete library makeover. The faculty and students are thrilled to have a refurbished learning space with thousands of new books." An important academic milestone in early childhood education is that students read at grade level by the end of third grade, and studies show that having access to a wide variety of reading materials is essential for kids to reach their educational goals.
"At Target, we recognize the integral role that reading plays in shaping a child's education and future, and we're committed to listening and acting locally to help kids learn and schools teach," said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. "Through Target School Library Makeovers, students are given the resources they need to learn so that their educational futures know no boundaries."
As part of the Target School Library Makeovers, a total of 32 extreme library makeovers will be awarded to schools in-need in 30 cities, including Albemarle Road Elementary. The makeovers feature everything from eco-friendly design elements, 2,000 new books, as well as new furniture, shelves, flooring and technology. Eco-friendly elements include low VOC paint, sustainable carpet and furniture and responsible disposal of all waste created in demolition and construction.
Schools receiving a library makeover are chosen based on a number of factors, including the number of students reading below proficiency level, the percentage of students from low-income families and the overall need for library improvement. The majority of the 2010 unveilings are scheduled to take place from August to November.
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