Today, .® announced that T.A. Brown Elementary School is one of the 42.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 Texas Congressman Gene Green, celebrated this announcement at the Library of Congress.
In addition, principals from among the 42 elementary schools, including T.A. Brown Principal Veronica Sharp 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. The Target School Library Makeover program leverages Target's world-class design and construction expertise, along with the products and services of local and national vendors, to transform elementary school libraries. 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 Target School Library Makeover program, a partnership with The Heart of America Foundation, is just one example of how Target is making an impact in local communities and helping to foster a love of reading among children nationwide. By designing inspiring spaces where students can learn, and putting more books into their hands, the company hopes to reinforce the importance of reading. Through programs like this one, Target is on track to reach a total of $1 billion in giving to education, with a focus on reading, by the end of 2015.
Target will also incorporate a Target Meals for MindsSM school-based food pantry site as part of each school's renovation process. The food pantries will allow all students and families at each of the 42 schools to choose from a variety of food staples and fresh produce to take home.
The majority of the newly renovated library unveilings are scheduled to take place from August to November.
For more information, visit or call Jill Hornbacher, Target Communications, (612) 761-2072, or the Target Media Hotline, (612) 696-3400.