32 libraries in 30 cities

Target and The Heart of Amercia Foundation joined forces on a program promoting childhood reading that involves renovating 32 libraries nationwide. Target is donating more than $7 million to the school libraries to execute makeovers that include light construction, new furniture, shelves, carpet and technology, as well as 2,000 new books for each school library.

“Studies show that reading proficiently by the end of third grade is one of the most important academic milestones on the path to graduation,” said Laysha Ward, Target’s president of community relations. “Through the revitalization of these libraries, Target is putting more books into the hands of more students across the country, helping them reach their full potential and inspiring a lifelong love of reading.”

The Target School Library Makeovers program was launched in 2007, and since its inception the company said it has impacted more than 2,000 libraries and distributed more than one million new books.