Children attending a southeastern Kentucky elementary school are participating in a whole new library experience. The changes have been made possible through a joint project by Eastern Kentucky University and Berea
College.
Officials with EKU and Berea have worked together to revitalize Oneida Elementary’s library facilities and collections. The year-long project at the Clay County school included fresh paint and new furniture, but also a new floor plan, a thousand gently used books, and artwork inspired by students’ favorite picture books.
EKU Research and Instruction Librarian Ashley Cole says rural communities, including their elementary schools, are often underserved and overlooked. She said such school libraries often provide the only accessible and viable source of diverse reading material.
Berea College was one of five institutions nationally chosen to receive Promise Neighborhood implementation grants.
