Target for School Library Makeover Program

Target Library

Target Corp. has announced 42 new schools that will receive a new library as part of the 2011 Target School Library Makeover program.

Education experts and advocates such as Alma Powell of the America’s Promise Alliance and Sir Ken Robinson, along with elected officials including Congressman John Kline, Chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee and Congressman Gene Green (TX-29), were invited to celebrate this announcement with the principals at the Library of Congress.

Additionally, principals from among the 42 elementary schools participated in a Principal Summit, led by Ralph Smith of The Annie E. Casey Foundation. The summit was designed to inspire school leaders, provide best practices for cultivating reading skills by using their new libraries, and explore how educators approach literacy strategies.

Meanwhile, supported by two-time Grammy nominee Justin Bieber, Pencils of Promise (PoP) – an organization that builds schools in the developing world – is trying to solve the global education crisis. Adam Braun, founder of PoP, in a discussion with Rakesh Raman. (Read: Adam Braun Makes a Penciled Promise to Children)

“In order to give our students a competitive advantage and ensure our country remains globally competitive, it is critical for us to invest in education,” said Congressman Kline, chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Each of the 42 library makeovers will feature a complete renovation, which includes light construction, eco-friendly design elements and technology upgrades.

New furniture, carpet, shelves and 2,000 books will also be included in the new spaces, and every student and his or her siblings will receive seven new books to add to their own at-home collections.

The majority of the newly renovated library unveilings are scheduled to take place from August to November.