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Plunkett, Target Team Up for Library MakeoverBy Ellen Smachetti
Plunkett Elementary School
04:03PM / Friday, November 06, 2009
Photos submitted by Ellen Smachetti
Volunteers created trees leafy with book titles at the Plunkett School library. The room accents are part of a makeover done with the aid of Target in the Berkshire Mall. |
ADAMS, Mass. — When Principal Kristen Gordon received a phone call from Amanda Ring last spring, little did she know the impact it would have for the C.T. Plunkett Elementary School library.
Plunkett Elementary's 600-plus students and staff use the library daily. The library receives its funding for materials and programs through the fundraising efforts of the library committee. Recent economic realities have resulted in a decline in fundraising resources, so the offer of help from a good neighbor, Target, was a perfect solution to address the library wish list.
Ring, the human resources liaison for the nationa chain store in Lanesborough, is in charge of coordinating local community service. Target supports education through grants and hands-on activities to move projects from the planning stages to finish with changes that will improve the educational environment for students. Target's corporate commitment to volunteering will improve nearly 2,000 libraries this year.
After meeting with Plunkett Librarian Judy Bender, a plan was hatched about the particulars: types of supplies for painting, furniture needs, and how to access the site to decide upon a selection of books. Color choices were up to Bender, resulting in an updated look that is soothing and inviting.
During the summer and early fall, Amanda and Jon Ring and Target volunteers Terri Trottier, Joe Pfeffer, Melissa Houghtaling and Kelly McDonald worked with Bender and Plunkett volunteers Pat Boisvert and Steve and Ellen Smachetti to get the job done in time to start off the school year with the new look.
To extend the theme of growing interest in reading, the library committee gathered tree branches to add texture to the room. The names of the students' favorites books are displayed on the newly "potted" trees. Visitors to the library can often be found looking on tree branches for their own personal recommendations.
New furniture from Target blends in with existing bookshelves and provides needed storage for library supplies. Additional books purchased through First Book Marketplace have boosted the existing collection, supplying needed resource and poetry books.
 On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Target volunteers arrived at Plunkett with book plates to add to the 165 donated books, introduced the new selections to students and enjoyed refreshments with thankful students and staff.
This partnership demonstrates the positive impact of corporate community service performed with the help of dedicated employees. Everyone at C.T. Plunkett is very appreciative to the Target organization and welcomes other community partners who will support Adams-Cheshire Regional School District's commitment to literacy. |
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