MANSFIELD — Malabar Intermediate School’s library has been outfitted with new furnishings and will soon receive some new books for the students thanks to generous donations provided by local businesses and organizations.
With the $1,000 donated by StarTek, the school will purchase new reading material.
Sue Johnson, literacy coach, said before deciding which books to choose, she considered what books would accommodate both guided reading lessons and independent reading.
“I decided to go with graphic novels because that’s kind of the big thing now for kids, and we don’t have hardly any in our book room for the teachers to get, and even in the library there are few,” Johnson said.
The school is in the process of ordering the books, which range in topics and reading levels.
“There are some classics that have been rewritten into graphic novels, which is great,” she said. “I think (the students) are going to enjoy them.
“Also, if we have any monies leftover, we’re going to purchase books that are based on a bullying program.”
The students will be able to read these new books in the school’s “library lounge,” which recently got some new seating, tables and other furnishings with money donated by Gimbell Foundation ($2,000), Joyce Buick ($100), Richland Bank ($500) and Richland County Foundation ($5,700).
Assistant Principal Tom Hager said the theme of the library lounge is “reader’s paradise.”
“It’s a nice, peaceful place for the students to read,” he said.
Art teacher Sonnet Hogue decorated the room with tropical-themed art projects. Johnson said the students have enjoyed using the space.
“They’ve been so excited,” she said.
Hager extended his appreciation to all of the donors.
“We really appreciate the community’s support,” he said.
