Fairview Community School's library will get a $60,000 infusion of cash with which to replenish its book collection.
Fairview is one of 25 Canadian schools that applied for and received money from the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation's 2016 literacy grant. The aim of the money is to curb dwindling book supply brought on by lack of funding, the foundation said in a press release.
Jane Kruks, Fairview principal, said the money means a lot.
“We have had a need for books for a long time and we've been slowly picking away at it, but nothing compares to this,” said Kruks.
Heather Lyons, Fairview teacher-librarian, said some of the money will go toward the library collection and some for classroom libraries, so students have access to books, “right at their fingertips,” as the library is closed two days a week.
“For the library collection we're in desperate need of non-fiction books – good quality, educational – geared for elementary school students,” said Lyons. “Those books are generally about $20-$30 apiece. I spent my whole budget on non-fiction this year and I got 60 books ... that's not a lot when you need to replace many of the worn, out-dated, falling apart, sticky, inaccurate books that we have.”
Fiction that will keep the students reading on an ongoing basis, will also be purchased, Lyons said.
Ten-per cent of the money can go towards items other than books and Lyons said she is considering reconfiguring the library with different shelving and furniture.
“It works out to about 50 to 60 years of library budget in one chunk,” said Lyons. “It's like winning the library lottery.”