Austin, TX— ¼öƬapp School District's (AISD) T.A. Brown Elementary, along with Target Corporation, Target volunteers, and The Heart of America Foundation, will reveal the school's newly renovated library on October 14 at 11:30 a.m. as part of the Target School Library Makeover Program. The unveiling celebration will be the first time students and teachers have seen the space since the renovation process began four weeks ago. The brand new library features 2,000 books, eco-friendly design elements, a complete technology upgrade including iPads, as well as new furniture, carpet and shelves. As part of the library unveiling event, each student and his or her siblings will also receive seven new books to keep for their home libraries.
Knowing that hunger greatly affects a child's ability to learn and focus in the classroom, Target also incorporated a Target Meals for Minds, school-based food pantry site as part of the school's renovation process. The food pantry will allow T.A. Brown Elementary students and their families to choose from a variety of staple foods and fresh produce to take home.
"We are fortunate to be chosen for such an incredible makeover of our library," said Veronica Sharp, T.A. Brown Elementary Principal. "It is our hope that this inspiring, new library will reinforce the important role of reading for our students at an early age."
The renovated library is part of the national Target School Library Makeover program through which Target revitalizes local school libraries. T.A. Brown Elementary is one of 42 schools chosen by Target and The Heart of America Foundation to receive a complete library makeover this year.
"Studies show that reading proficiency directly correlates to graduation rates, which is why we strive to foster a child's passion for reading at an early age," said Laysha Ward, president of community relations, Target and Target Foundation. "Through the Target School Library Makeover program, we're helping children across the country learn to love reading by giving them the tools they need, including an inspiring library space, new books, computers and more."
Local Target team members volunteer their time and talent to each renovation project. Additionally, the Target Property Development team and local vendors provide specialized business knowledge through a variety of unique pro bono services that include leveraging their design and construction expertise.
By the end of 2011, Target will have transformed a total of 118 elementary school libraries through the Target School Library Makeover program, which represents an investment of more than $22 million.