What We've Done

Driving Library Reform

For New York City’s public school students, libraries can be the driving force behind reading, learning, and creating a brighter future. Literacy is essential to paving a path for success for our students, and there’s no better investment that we as New Yorkers can make than supporting the improvement of school libraries. Through Shop for Public Schools, we can all get involved in this effort.

All funds raised through Shop for Public Schools help to fund The Fund for Public School’s Library REACH grant program. Through a competitive application process, grants of up to $10,000 are awarded to schools that serve a high-needs student population, are in need of significant library improvements, and have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to putting these funds to great use. Library REACH grants are used not only for physical upgrades to libraries, like desks, chairs, computers, and books, but they also allow librarians to use the new resources to create a hub of learning for the entire school community to enjoy.

Library Success Story

The funds raised by our library donors not only improve school libraries, but they can revitalize entire communities of students and school staff. One of the many recent success stories is that of P.S. 116. As a deserving school exhibiting significant need, they were awarded a Library REACH grant last year, which gave their library the face-lift it desperately needed. “Our furniture was over fifty years old and falling apart”, said their Librarian Lisandra Vazquez, “As a result of these funds, we were able to purchase new flooring, library shelves, tables, seating, a laptop, a copier, and paint for the walls. All of these changes brought our library back to life!”

There was a lot of excitement in the air during the renovation phase, which was completed in June 2008. Students and faculty members now love visiting the library, which has fast become the hub of the school. “Our library is now a homey place where staff and students enjoy spending quiet reading time,” states Ms. Vazquez, “It has become our school’s sanctuary,” Since receiving the grant from The Fund for Public Schools, students now enjoy being in a library that’s modern and comfortable. The school is hosting events in their newly renovated space, and inviting authors and readers to visit the students. Creating vibrant learning centers, like the library at P.S. 116, is the goal of Shop for Public Schools and something all New York City shoppers can take part in.