Target helps make over school libraries

MINNEAPOLIS Target announced that is donating more than $7 million to help make over school libraries in the United States as part of a partnership with The Heart of America Foundation.

 Each makeover features light construction and new furniture, shelves, carpet and technology, as well as 2,000 new books for each school library. In addition, each student and their sibling/s will receive seven new books to take home. 

"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, president of community relations for Target. "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."

In addition to awarding complete library makeovers to 32 schools, Target is teaming up with First Book, a national non-profit organization, to provide new books to schools serving in-need students across the country. Each of the more than 1,700 Target stores and distribution centers nationwide will grant a $500 Book Award to a local, in-need school of their choice. The Book Awards will provide each school with new books and reading supplies from First Book, just in time to kick-off the new school year.