Faraday School awarded $30,000 literacy grant

From more history books to graphic novels, Faraday School is thrilled to fill their library with new books thanks to a recently awarded Indigo Love of Reading Foundation Literacy Fund grant. The grant, worth $30,000 over three years, was a labour of literacy love from the school. Not only was the application process long and competitive; Faraday has shown a tremendous commitment to literacy in the years leading up to the receipt of the grant as they work to overhaul their existing library.

“We know that a library is the heart of a school. Librarian Kim Muehling chaired the library committee and has been instrumental in the grant­ – we’re so excited, it’s going to be a game changer for the school,” said principal Jennifer Cox.

To help make the exciting announcement that the school won, specials guests joined the entire school community in the gym for a giant cheque presentation. Following announcement, students were already starting to think about their own wish list of books to fill the shelves. For Zachary, a Grade 5 student at the school, he’s not sure how many books you can buy for $30,000 but knows it’s a lot and is excited to have more comics and graphic novels in his school’s library.

“I was really surprised, $30,00 is a lot of money,” said Zachary. “Right now, we can only take out one comic book at a time, with this we could probably take out three books!”

For Brian, who is also in Grade 5, said he is hoping for more history books but then paused to reflect on the question of what he would buy if he were responsible for spending the grant money.

“I like to read more about the Napoleonic wars and more about the war of 1812,” shared Brian. “But if I were in charge of the money, I would probably spend it on really diverse things so all the kids in the school would be happy.”

Faraday staff will select books to stock their school from Chapters Polo Park with the goal of ensuring all students and families are represented in the literature that fills the shelves. The grant is intended to support literacy improvements and will go a long way in helping the school provide more inclusive and diverse selections as well as ensuring student favourites are readily available.

“It’s important that we have stories that speak to the realities of our students’ lives. It’s time to diversify,” said Kim Muehling librarian at Faraday.

“If students are seen and heard they are engaged in their learning and we are doing our part in helping them be the best that they can be,” echoed Cox.

Congratulations to Faraday School and a huge thank you to Indigo and Chapters Polo Park for their commitment to supporting literacy in our schools..