Students at a Woodside school now have a new, state-of-the art library thanks to funding secured by local legislators.
City Councilmembers Eric Gioia and Elisabeth Crowley helped schoolchildren, teachers and staff open the new facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony that will usher in a new learning environment for everyone at P.S. 229.
“Libraries are a critical part of every school,” Gioia said. “This renovated library will go a long way towards making sure students get every advantage possible, and can learn in safe and clean environment. Going to the library every day after school made a big difference in my life, and I know this new space will do the same for the students at P.S. 229.”
Gioia helped secure $150,000 in capital funding from the city for the upgrades after hearing from parents and teachers about the outdated equipment and poor facilities at the library. The additional funding allowed the school to overhaul the entire library and install new computers for students to use at the library.
Dr. Sibylle Ajwani, principal of P.S. 229, said that Gioia is a longtime supporter of the school, and he visits the classrooms talking to the students about how government works and engages the students in discussion about current events and topics they are learning.
“Our school community sees proof of his efforts with his financial support through [Reso A] funds for our library upgrade and many computer upgrades,” Ajwani said. “In today’s world of budget cuts and not being a Title One school, we are grateful for his generosity and ability to give our students a state of the art library.”
