The Lynn/Urquides Elementary School library is about to undergo an extreme makeover after receiving a grant that will outfit the decades-old space with new computers, 2,000 new books, new furniture and a coat or two of paint.
The grant comes from a partnership between Target and the nonprofit organization The Heart of America.
The makeover is needed, says Patsy Corday, the school's librarian.
"We don't have all of the learning materials needed for the children," said Corday, who does her best to incorporate color into the area with her own artwork.
The library serves nearly 900 students and their parents, Corday said. But six of the eight computers have "out of order" signs stuck to the monitors and many of the books are 11 to 20 years old.
It was that need and the passion from the staff that earned the southwest-side school the makeover. It was in competition with two other TUSD sites, that will receive runner-up prizes of $1,000 each to purchase new books.
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"This is the best thing for our kids," said Lynn/Urquides Principal Patricia Flores. "It will get them more excited about books. We want our children to look at this library and think this is where my mind can grow."
Asked what he envisions for the new library, third-grader Miguel Cocio said he'd like some recliners, an aquarium with a turtle, laptops and new books on the shelves.
"I'm excited for our school because we can have more things for our library," said Miguel, who enjoys checking out books on history.
Miguel also suggested bringing some life to the drab brick walls by adding decorations or paint.
Other students had grander ideas that included snack and soda machines, bean bags, a slide and flat-screen televisions.
The focus of the makeover is on literacy and expanding resources, said Tamar Gertner, spokeswoman for The Heart of America. It's equally important to make the space inviting for students and families, she said.
"We really want to make reading exciting for these students and to enhance their experience." added Ryan Hanson, general manager for the Target.com Fulfillment Center.
The unveiling of the redesigned library is scheduled for Sept. 24. The new space will be completed with a mural by a Disney artist.
Additionally, each child at Lynn/Urquides will receive seven books to take home.
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at 573-4175 or ahuicochea@azstarnet.com.
