Collaborative Effort To Build A Brighter Future For Baltimore Students

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--In honor of National Reading Month, the Library Project is working to collect books for three new libraries being built this year in schools across the city.

Tracey Leong explains why they need your help.

Students burying their noses in books, endless options to choose from.

"Reading is important to me that you can learn stuff better and new words and key ideas," said Kawon, a third grade student.

These students diving into their newly renovated library at the historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor School in Baltimore.

"We recognize that kids are here for hours and hours a day and we want them to have a space that's theirs, that's a refuge," said Kate Sorestad, Library Project Program Officer.

The Library Project is a collaborative effort to build a brighter future for Baltimore students.

"Well equipped, well-staffed, well-resourced library can override any negative aspect that poverty has on academic achievement," Sorestad said.

This school's library is one of nine renovated in the past three years.

"Before the library was a bit dull," said Emmanuel Faulkner.

The transformation providing kids new opportunities with the tools to succeed.

"As the saying goes the more you know the more you grow and the more you read the more you know," Faulkner said.

Tracey Leong: "What do you enjoy about coming in here?"

"What I enjoy about coming in here is its peaceful, it's a place we can concentrate, and do your homework," one student said.

"Inspired about reading, and excited about reading they become lifelong learners, and that's great for Baltimore," said Faulkner.

One $7 donation will put a brand new hardcover book onto the shelf, they are hoping to raise 4,000 by the end of this month.

The Library Project is organized by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

To donate, CLICK HERE.