Watch CBS News

Major Store Chain Targets Local School For New Library

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- There was a lot of noise at a usually quiet place. Students, teachers, parents and staff at Coral Park Elementary in Southwest Miami-Dade were ecstatic over the newly renovated library.

It is a very generous donation by Target, The Heart of America Foundation and Major League Baseball.

"Congratulations to Coral Park Elementary Mrs. Nunez, her staff but most importantly to the students who will benefit most from this important gift, a gift from the heart" said Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

Dressed in their favorite characters from the children's book series, Magic Tree House, the kindergarten class were the first ones to witness the magical moment.

In less than a month, the library,which has been used to help educate students for more than 50 years, was transformed, with the help of volunteers, into a reading wonderland.

Two thousand new books were placed on the shelves. Twenty-five new iPads were placed on desks for tiny hands to explore. Five new computers were set up along with a new carpet and colorful paint on the walls.

CBS4's Marybel Rodriguez was there for the unveiling on Wednesday and asked the students what they thought of the new library.

WATCH Marybel Rodriguez's report. 

Emma a kindergarten student said it was awesome.

Coral Park Elementary was the fifth school in Miami-Dade lucky enough to be chosen by Target for the library renovation. Three Broward County schools were also chosen.

In addition to enjoying a new library, each student was given a backpack with seven new books for their own personal library.

According to the groups, they are on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015 and by the end of this year they hope to have renovated 200 libraries at schools across the country.

The program is not only for students. Teachers will also be recognized at a July 15th All-Star Game.

RELATED CONTENT:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.