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March 29, 2024

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Thousands of books to be donated to Fay Herron in library makeover

Map of Fay Herron

Fay Herron

2421 N. Kenneth, North Las Vegas

A struggling North Las Vegas elementary school was selected last week by national nonprofit literacy organization The Heart of America Foundation for a complete makeover of the school’s aging library.

By October, the Fay Herron Elementary School library will have 2,000 new books, new carpeting, bookcases, furniture, circulation desk, even a new “smartboard,” thanks to a partnership with Heart of America and Target.

The group, based in Washington, D.C., has completed 58 school library makeovers since the program started in 2007. This year, the organization plans to complete 41 makeovers. Herron Elementary will be its first in Nevada.

In addition to the library makeover, Heart of America plans to donate 7,000 books — seven books to each of the 1,000 students at Herron Elementary — during the library's grand re-opening in the fall. The group also plans to donate an additional 1,000 books to students' siblings.

“We want to give kids the tools to read, succeed and make a difference,” said Heart of America’s READesign director, Tamar Gertner. “There is such a dire need for reading materials and inspiration to get kids to develop a love for reading.”

Heart of American approached the Clark County School District about six weeks ago with plans to make over a school library. Of seven target schools and three finalists, Herron Elementary, 2421 Kenneth Road, was chosen because it “had the greatest need,” Gertner said.

All of the students at Herron Elementary are on the free or reduced-price lunch program, said Judy Jordahl, the school’s new principal. Less than a third of the students are proficient in reading at the third grade level, which studies show can lead to higher dropout rates in middle and high school.

“This school needs improvement,” Jordahl said. “The makeover will boost morale in staff and students and transform the library so it’s eye-opening and spectacular.”

Herron is also one of the oldest schools in the district and could really use the upgrade, Jordahl said. With the school district potentially facing more than $400 million in budget cuts next year, the school could not have afforded a basic library renovation, much less a complete makeover.

“I’m not sure anyone grasps what a difference this will make,” Jordahl said. “I’m just totally excited for this. It’s a burst of energy that the school needs to move the climate forward and help children become successful.”

Local contractor Roche Constructor will help complete the makeover. For more information about Heart of America, visit www.heartofamerica.org.

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