LIBRARY REFURBISHMENTS:
STONEGATE ELEMENTARY
APRIL 2024

Stonegate Elementary School in San Jose’s Franklin McKinley School District has a majority of students who are economically disadvantaged and BIPOC. Our vision was to provide these students a vibrant book haven filled with high-quality, diverse and captivating stories representative of their realities. We are very proud to mark the completion of this project as our 18th school library refurbishment.

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, 65 volunteers spent the day putting barcodes and spine labels on 1029 new books we purchased so that they were check-out ready for the students returning the following Monday. We replaced excess paperbacks and old books with shiny new ones featuring diverse voices, picture books with gorgeous illustrations, non-fiction books on important, current topics, and Spanish books for the school’s bilingual readers.

Led by our Artistic Director, Cecilia Jones, volunteers also painted beautiful murals inside and outside the library, tracing the designs and then meticulously painting the details to breathe new life into the library and renew its appeal for the students. This quote formed a part of the largest mural: “Every time you open a book, a little magic falls out.”

Additionally, we equipped the library with colorful couches to create a cozy reading nook. We took photos of students the following week, new books in hand, lounging on the couches with big smiles on their faces.

This is what Julie Sanchez, 3rd grade teacher had to say:

“Your commitment to providing these materials and a vibrant atmosphere in our library is invaluable, and we look forward to enjoying them and respecting our library for years to come.

Thank you once again for your incredible generosity. Together, we are making a difference.”

Mary Redondo, Library Media Assistant, also took the time out to share this kind message:

“On behalf of the entire school community, thank you so much for your generous support in accepting our school library into your program. We are particularly grateful for the investment in our library's collection. The new and current books have transformed our library into a vibrant and inviting hub for reading and learning. Both teachers and students have been thrilled with the diverse selection, which has ignited their imaginations and fostered a lifelong love of literature. Adding new book titles has expanded our students' reading choices and provides exposure to diverse perspectives and cultures.”

We are delighted with this response and grateful to the volunteers who dedicated their Saturday to get the library ready in time, the donors who paid for the books and processing materials, and for the school administration and staff who worked hard with us to transform this library. We hope to refurbish many more school libraries and continue to bridge the literacy gap.