A good read at an opportune time in NY

Target and the Heart of America Foundation unveiled a completely redesigned library to students, teachers and parents at P.S. 299 Thomas Warren Field School last week in New York. Servicemen and women from local police and fire departments were on hand to help put the finishing touches on the space at an event that honored local heroes – Brooklyn police officers and fire fighters. Target presented one police officer and one fire fighter with a “Hero of the Heart Award,” which will serve as a special tribute to their dedication to service and the community.

“Thanks to Target and The Heart of America Foundation, our new library is now fully equipped with the resources our teachers and students need to excel,” said Wilma Kirk, principal, P.S. 299 Thomas Warren Field School. “We’re grateful and excited to have so many wonderful people here today to help us unveil our new space. We also feel fortunate to be able to honor the members of our police and fire departments through today’s event.”

The library transformation at P.S. 299 Thomas Warren Field School is part of the 2011 Target School Library Makeover program. The remodeled library space will feature 2,000 new books, eco-friendly design elements, furniture, carpet, shelves and such technology upgrades as computers and iPads. This library will also include a customized art mural honoring the volunteer efforts of New York police and fire fighters. The piece will read “Good Books Inspire Future Heroes.” After the festivities, students and their siblings were given seven new books to add to their own collections.

“Today’s library unveiling is a special event for the Target team and our local partners,” said Laysha Ward, Target’s president of community relations. “The celebration allows Target to reinforce the importance of reading and pay tribute to the servicemen and women who serve and protect our communities."

Launched in 2007, the Target School Library Makeover program leverages the company’s design and construction expertise to revitalize elementary school libraries in cities nationwide. By the end of 2011, Target will have transformed a total of 118 elementary school libraries through this initiative, which represents an investment of more than $22 million.