LA PUENTE, CA – JUNE 4, 2008 – After more than a year of planning and fundraising, the school community of Northam Elementary will open their new Wonder of Reading Library on Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. To match a contribution by The Wonder of Reading and The Stone Family Fund, Northam Elementary raised more than $52,000 thanks to the generosity of numerous community sponsors and funds from the Measure R Bond passed by voters.
“We can’t wait to share our beautiful new library, murals and ‘Enchanted Reading Garden’ with our students and community,” said Northam Principal Helen Benavides. “I want to personally thank everyone who has helped us on this magical journey. This library will be a vital part of our community, not used just by students, but a family learning center for Northam.”
The 1,920 square-foot library will feature more than $10,000 worth of new books, a mini amphitheatre perfect for storytelling to classes, cozy reading areas and six computer research stations. The theme of the library is “Reading is a Magical Journey” and to celebrate the library opening, three new murals were painted: one on the outside wall of the library and two in front of the school depicting the importance of literacy and how Northam Knights strive for excellence in their learning quest!
The Wonder of Reading is a non-profit organization that partners with elementary schools to transform their libraries into vibrant centers of learning by implementing the 3R Program—Renovate, Restock, and Read. As a result of this unique program, the organization and its partners expand and renovate libraries, making them more useful and inviting for students; restock them with new books; and train volunteers to work with below grade-level readers.
If you are interested in becoming a Wonder of Reading Volunteer or would like to make a donation to the ongoing fundraising efforts for Northam Elementary, please contact Principal Helen Benavides at (626) 965-2404. The school is located at 17800 Renault Street in La Puente.
For more information about The Wonder of Reading and its programs, please visit their website at www.wonderofreading.org.