When students at New Castle’s Pleasantville Elementary School return for the 2023–2024 school year, they’ll have access to a completely reimagined and redesigned library. A large donation from the International Literacy Association (ILA), made possible through a Delaware Community Foundation grant, will help fund the much-needed capital improvements.
“We know that a great school library is the true heart and center of a school building,” said Pleasantville’s Principal Renee Griffith, who will help manage the grant. “These resources will help unlock the full potential of our school library and provide our school librarian with the tools needed to do what she does best: spark curiosity and foster a love of learning and reading in our students.”
Fresh paint is just one of Pleasantville’s many planned upgrades, which also includes an influx of new books and materials, new shelving to house the collection, and even new flexible learning seating and tables.
“This grant will truly help provide our students with the space they deserve to help inspire both curiosity and learning as well as helping to remove outdated books and providing our students with new and engaging books to access,” said Tom Gavin, supervisor of Instructional Technology & Libraries for Colonial School District. “It will also help us with our goal of making our school library an even stronger resource center for our students.”
District Superintendent Jeff Menzer expressed his appreciation for the funding, adding, “In Colonial School District, we believe in the ‘Power of WE,’ the importance of partnerships and working together in our community to help provide access and opportunities for the students and staff of Colonial Nation.”
ILA’s headquarters are in Newark, Del., and this donation marks one of several local initiatives the global organization is undertaking to support Delawareans.
“We set the standard for quality literacy instruction around the world,” said Nicola Wedderburn, ILA executive director. “We are and will remain committed to offering high-quality resources and professional development that benefits Delaware schools and educators.”