Educators’ hopes to improve literacy and inspire a love for learning were on display Wednesday evening at Allen Elementary School, where students and families celebrated campus renovations and the unveiling of a new library.
The school is one of dozens across the Coastal Bend that have received grant funding from Education Service Center Region 2 for library improvements.
The new library includes colorful murals depicting adventurous characters, new shelving and furniture, and a maker-space room. The grant also allowed the school to buy more than 600 new books.
The best part of the library are the books, fifth grade student Marielena Fernandez said.
“The best part, I think, about the library is the little picture on the back window that shows the characters ending their adventures,” third grader Addison Fernandez said.
Beyond the new library, the entire Allen Elementary School campus was rejuvenated this year.
Last year, students from Allen Elementary School filtered into classrooms at Evans Elementary School. While they merged into one school community, the old Allen Elementary School underwent about $13 million in renovations, including an additional 14,000-square-foot expansion.