Ybarra Academy Opens New Wonder of Reading Library Dec. 8

WALNUT, CA – NOVEMBER 30, 2010 – Students and families at Ybarra Academy of the Arts and Technology are anxious to take their first steps into the school’s new Wonder of Reading Library. The grand opening celebration will take place on Wednesday, December 8, at 9:45 a.m. The library partnership was made possible by a matching grant from The Wonder of Reading, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the love of reading in children. Additional funding came from many community contributions and funds from the Measure R Bond.

“Words cannot describe how excited and thankful we are,” said Ybarra Academy Principal Annette Ramirez. “The library committee, which is made of parents, teachers, students and community members, has been working diligently for the past two years. It will be such a joy to see our students enjoying their new library. We have added books in other languages as well as books from around the world.”

The newly renovated library will feature $10,000 of new books, a mini-amphitheater for storytelling, new furniture, six computer research stations, and cozy reading areas. The Wonder of Reading will also provide training for volunteers to work with below-grade level readers.

The theme of the library is “Travel the World Through Reading.” A beautiful mural that depicts the history of Ybarra greets visitors as they enter. Outside a beautiful reading garden also provides students with a quiet reading space in a serene outdoor setting.

Ybarra Academy is actively looking for reading volunteers with students. Ybarra students and staff are also continuing to raise funds for additional library items. If you are interested in becoming a Wonder of Reading volunteer, or would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the ongoing fundraising efforts for Ybarra Academy’s new library, please contact Principal Annette Ramirez at (909) 598-3744.

Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology is a K-8 School and is an Official Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, an international curriculum designed for students aged 3 to 12. The school is located at 1300 Brea Canyon Cut-Off Road, Walnut. For more information call (909) 598-3744 or visit www.YbarraAcademy.org

The Wonder of Reading transforms libraries into vibrant centers of learning by partnering with public elementary schools to renovate school libraries, restock libraries with new books, and provide enriching literacy programs. In 2009, more than 130,000 children attended partner schools and they trained more than 500 new volunteers to be one-on-one reading mentors. For more information, visit www.wonderofreading.org.