The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“LIBRARY PROJECT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S2658-S2660 on April 16, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
LIBRARY PROJECT
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, Baltimore, like many other major cities, has struggled to educate its children. Recent statistics indicate that the number of third graders reading below grade level in Baltimore is double the State average. This is especially troubling in light of the numerous national studies showing that for every six students who are not reading proficiently by third grade, one will not graduate.
Across the United States, research has shown that students in schools with good school libraries learn more, get better grades, and score higher on standardized tests than their peers in schools without libraries.
We have a program, the qualified zone academy bonds, that is available to help school districts in areas such as improving their libraries. Since 2001 Baltimore City has used those funds. Recently we extended the program through 2013. Academy bonds are important, but much more needs to be done to help our students.
Let me share with my colleagues a wonderful initiative, the Baltimore Elementary and Middle School Library Project, which is leveraging academy bonds and bringing in additional partners to maximize the resources available for hard-pressed schools and students. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is spearheading this initiative. The Weinberg Foundation is one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States. The Weinberg Foundation provides approximately $100 million each year to nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income and vulnerable individuals and families, primarily in the United States and Israel. Since 1990 the foundation has made grants totaling $1.6 billion--that is billion with a ``b.''
The foundation was created by Harry Weinberg. His family emigrated from Eastern Europe to the United States in 1911. Harry Weinberg began his life in poverty, but he eventually built a transportation empire which extended into real estate. The fortune Harry Weinberg amassed now has grown to more than $2 billion. These are the assets behind the Weinberg Foundation's grant-making.
Senator Mikulski and I are very proud that the Weinberg Foundation is based in our Baltimore City. I knew Harry Weinberg. I know the Weinberg family. I am very fortunate to have that relationship. The foundation has helped so many people, particularly in affordable housing, immigrant services, poverty issues, and humanitarian needs.
I would like to acknowledge the role my former State director, Bailey Fine, has played with the Weinberg Foundation.
I could list dozens of major charitable projects and initiatives that bear the name of the Weinberg Foundation, including a $10-million grant to fund emergency services for Holocaust survivors in North America; a
$9.6 million commitment to make Maryland a model for care of lower income, older adults; a $3 million investment in affordable housing for persons with disabilities, which includes a joint venture with the State of Maryland--the first of its kind in the Nation. The Weinberg Foundation also has stepped up in times of global crisis, providing millions of dollars of relief grants in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and emergency funding for humanitarian efforts following the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.
In 2011 the Weinberg Foundation joined forces with a group of innovative and committed individuals to initiate a simple vision: transform Baltimore City school libraries to create larger, lasting change by increasing literacy rates and inspiring students. Words such as ``partnership'' and ``collaboration'' are often overused, but these concepts are central to the library project, a real-world demonstration of the power of combining resources directed toward a common goal.
To date, with the help of more than 30 government, nongovernment, and community partners and individuals, many who have traveled to Washington today, the library project has gone far beyond a simple makeover by creating completely transformed, well-designed, well-
equipped spaces that send a simple but powerful message to young students in Baltimore City: They deserve the best. The Weinberg Foundation and its partners believe this manuscript for meaningful change can be applied to any city where people from nonprofits and public and private entities are willing to focus on a plan and then roll up their sleeves to make it happen.
The first of these refurbished libraries was dedicated in the fall of 2012. I was privileged to be able to visit and see firsthand how impressive this refurbished library is. Three more are scheduled to open this fall, with a total of 12 planned through 2015. The Weinberg Foundation has supported 30 percent of the capital project cost, is providing 4 years of additional staff support and professional development funds for the library. The Weinberg Foundation's support also goes to fund new books, up to 4,000 per space. Overall, the foundation has made a $5 million, 4-year commitment to this initiative, and the children of Baltimore will benefit.
Each transformed library features thousands of new books and the latest in learning technology, including new computers and e-readers. As you can see from the photo I have brought to the floor, these are very impressive spaces and really go a long way to making them friendly places for students.
In addition to the direct educational benefits of these new spaces, one of the goals of the library project is to help each transformed library become a hub for greater school community. Because the Weinberg Foundation wants this project to be a successful model for years to come, it has partnered with the Baltimore Education Research Consortium to evaluate the impact of this space within the school community. Evaluations are underway at the first three libraries and involve students, teachers, and community members.
In addition to supplying books as part of each renovation, the Weinberg Foundation and its partners wanted to do even more to equip these new spaces with the gift and adventure of reading. As part of the first year of the library project, the foundation launched a huge book drive with more than 40 partners and 100 pickup locations. It was clear that my fellow Marylanders were eager to contribute directly to this project, donating some 13,000 books valued at over $75,000.
I share the story with my colleagues and the rest of the country because, just like a favorite book, it should be shared. The library project goes beyond funding, blueprints, bright new designs, and even state-of-the-art learning technologies. These libraries will improve reading and learning opportunities for countless children, helping to break the grinding cycle of poverty by providing young people with the hope and the tools for success in life.
As I said, this is a story that needs to be shared. The devoted officers and staff of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and all the other participants in the library project would welcome the opportunity to tell this marvelous tale over and over and see it duplicated across the country.
Time constraints prevent me from talking about all of the partners in the library project. I mentioned the Federal partners, and I have highlighted the Weinberg Foundation's lead role, but everyone involved deserves recognition and our heartfelt thanks.
I ask unanimous consent that the list of the other partners and the descriptions of their contributions be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
Federal/State Funding
In 2001, Baltimore City Public Schools began applying for Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) funds that are used for the renovation of public school libraries. The QZAB funds renovate the physical space at each location and ensure proper configuration, environmental abatement, quality air control, lighting, and flooring for a few approved libraries each year. To qualify for QZAB funds, the school must be located in either an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community with 35% or more of its students eligible for the free or reduced price meal program.
As of 2011, 53 City School libraries have been renovated with $14.2 million in QZAB funds and with more than $2.5 million of donated in-kind volunteer hours. City Schools have also contributed an additional $8.5 million for architectural/mechanical work, construction costs and furniture. The Baltimore Elementary and Middle School Library Project has leveraged these funds and brought in additional partners to maximize additional resources for schools and students.
Baltimore City Public Schools
As a partner in the Library Project, the district is providing guidance and academic and facilities support in the creation of new and newly renovated school libraries that will contribute to 21st-century learning and position students for success.
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Advisory Committee Member.
Art with a Heart
For the Library Project, Art with a Heart will work with volunteers to create a mosaic for each of the three schools. All of the mosaics will incorporate the Library Project logo, however, each mosaic will be personalized to reflect the individual school community.
Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
ABAG will publicize the library effort to ABAG members, particularly the Education Funders Affinity Group, through ABAG's monthly Members' Memo, website, and social media. ABAG will write a Daily Record article, and will be helpful in other ways identified over the life of the initiative.
Baltimore Community Foundation
The Baltimore Community Foundation encourages its donors to participate in the Library Project, which fits into BCF's overall vision for successful schools and successful students. The Library Project is a prime example of how a foundation can attract private sector partners to address a public need, inviting businesses and individuals to find ways to join together in promising Baltimore's youth a brighter future.
Baltimore Education Research Constortium (BERC)
In relation to the Baltimore Library Project, BERC will examine the change experienced at the first three library openings at Moravia Park Elementary, Southwest Baltimore Charter, and Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School.
Baltimore Reads
Baltimore Reads assures that teachers have classroom libraries and that students receive books that they may take home. The Library Project complements the work of the Baltimore Reads' Book Bank, which collects and redistributes children's books all over the Baltimore region at no cost to recipients.
Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun commitment at this time will be to deliver 25 papers each day (M-F) to each of the first six schools. The value of the papers for a year at full retail price is $11,700, a total of $70,200 for all six schools!
Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble will provide 400 Nook digital devices and Certified Pre-Owned Nook digital devices, at special discounted prices for this project. Barnes and Noble will donate up to 20 hours of student and teacher training per month to ensure that every user is comfortable with the technology.
Bogdan Computer Services
Bogdan Computer Services was responsible for the design and implementation of the Baltimore Library Project website. Its staff has also been a tremendous asset in technology purchases and book drive donations.
Comcast
Previously Comcast has offered in-studio and on location filming and interviews which will be aired on CNN Headline News. This sponsorship package was valued at nearly $100,000. Comcast will continue to review additional ways to sponsor the Library Project.
CPS Gumpert
Partners in the Weinberg Library Project through the graphic design and printing of event signage, promotional products, and printed materials. We look forward to participating in the program as it continues to grow.
DLA Piper
Financial donation.
Dyslexia Tutoring Program
The mission of The Dyslexia Tutoring Program is to provide free screening and remedial tutoring for low-income adults and children throughout Maryland with dyslexia and other language based learning differences. Volunteers take a free 20-hr training course in preparation for tutoring. The program works to achieve the following: (1) Train teachers in Orton-Gillingham, a proven method of teaching reading, writing and spelling; (2) Tutor students that are accepted into our program by providing free tutoring; (3) Provide In-Service Workshops to school staff to help identify potential students.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
The Enoch Pratt Free Library will be a major partner in the library project. Each elementary school library will include an ``Enoch Pratt Parent Corner'' with a computer connecting parents to the Enoch Pratt system. In addition, each library will have a permanent loan collection on parenting books and other appropriate adult literature. Enoch Pratt will also provide four Family Reading Circle programs during the school year. This six-week program brings a library professional to the school, with high-quality books and dinner for the group. Enoch Pratt will also provide limited funding for students to take public transportation from their homes or from school to the closest Pratt Library. Finally, Enoch Pratt Free Library will host students from each school for field trips to the central library each year. The estimated value of this partnership is $20,000 per library, or $80,000 for the first four libraries.
Fund for Educational Excellence
The Fund for Educational Excellence has worked side by side with Baltimore City Public Schools for over 25 years securing the financial, human, and knowledge resources necessary to support policy and practice resulting in increased student achievement for Baltimore City Public School students. On this project the Fund serves as the fiscal agent working as an intermediary between City Schools and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to ensure all grant dollars are allocated to the project appropriately.
Heart of America Foundation
HOA will coordinate the purchasing, sorting, cataloging and delivery of brand new library books for each school. In addition, to address the fact that as many as 61 percent of children from low income families do not have any books in the home, HOA will provide three books per student for his or her home library. This year, HOA will deliver more than 9,800 library books in total and over 4,800 take home books for the students for this project.
Incite Creative
The firm's focus group facilitation with students and their parents helped guide their design and development of the Library Project's logo and overall identity.
JRS Architects, Inc
JRS Architects, Inc., as a consultant to Baltimore City Public Schools, will work closely with Kirk Designs to incorporate the elements of the concept plan into the architectural plans, including coordination of proposed lighting and technology with electrical and data plans, incorporation of floor, wall and window treatments into the construction documents. JRS Architects will also help coordinate the efforts of other partners donating technology and equipment to ensure smooth coordination into the finished library. JRS Architects, Inc. will be donating the time required to coordinate the efforts of the partners in the three QZAB-funded projects.
Kirk Designs
Kirk Designs Inc. will design and detail all aspects of the library pertaining to selections for, but not limited to, lighting, flooring, wall and window treatments as well as all furnishings while creating a usable and exciting space for grades Pre-K through Eight. Kirk Designs will interface with vendors as well as provide and enforce a schedule for completion. Kirk Designs will be donating a substantial design cost for each project, approximately $15,000 per library.
Knott Mechanical
Knott Mechanical will provide for modifications to the libraries' existing air distribution systems including installation of new diffusers and low-pressure ductwork to conform with the new designs. Knott Mechanical is one of the Baltimore metropolitan area's premier commercial HVAC and plumbing service providers, serving more than 150 clients including Johns Hopkins and Comcast.
Maryland Food Bank
Maryland Food Bank is happy to investigate the implementation of their school pantry program in each of these school locations and can also help with summer feeding programs when school is out of session.
Parks and People Foundation
Parks & People will consider each renovated library as a potential site for after school and summer programming. Site assessments for the first six libraries could amount to as much as $2,000 per site, or a total of $12,000. For libraries that are determined to be a fit for an after school or summer program, services provided would range from $5,000-$80,000 per site. The organization is also involved in green initiatives at each school including asphalt removal and the creation of reading gardens.
Raising a Reader
Raising A Reader is partnering with the Weinberg Foundation to provide library project schools with an opportunity to implement the program in kindergarten classrooms. The partnership covers the cost of training, materials and the financial support needed to implement Raising A Reader for many of our youngest learners and their families.
State of Maryland/Maryland State Department of Education
The State of Maryland, through The Maryland State Department of Education will provide focused technical assistance by working with the Manager for Library Media Services for the Baltimore City Public Schools to support the library/media specialists in the Weinberg Library Project schools with the incorporation of digital resources, the utilization of the MDK12 Digital Library, assistance with professional development needs, and with collection development. MSDE staff will also facilitate linkages with public libraries to promote professional development opportunities and broaden access to materials. During the transition to the new Maryland State Common Core Curriculum, MSDE staff will commit time and energy to supporting the work of the library/media center specialists in providing assistance to teachers who are engaged in integrating primary resources into their lessons.
United Way of Central Maryland
As part of United Way Worldwide's effort to cut the high school dropout rate in half, United Way of Central Maryland has joined their call to help recruit one million readers, tutors and mentors and will launch a new volunteer program: Read, Learn, Succeed this fall. We look forward to recruiting members of the community to read to young children to fill in some of the volunteer gaps that exist in many local programs.
VPC, Inc.
Handles all of the production and multimedia content creation for Library Project events.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is proud to further its commitment to Baltimore City students by serving as the Baltimore Elementary and Middle School Library Project's Financial Literacy Partner. Their commitment will include a $20,000 donation to fund library technology thereby providing access to a world of information including www.handsonbanking.com, the online portal to its free financial literacy program. The company also commits its most valued resource, the time and talent of local Wells Fargo team members. Local team members will provide financial literacy to members of the Weinberg Library communities, including teachers, students and their families. Additionally, through Wells Fargo's Reading First program, team members will read aloud to Pre-K through 1st grade classes to support early childhood literacy and will then donate those books to the library.
Mr. CARDIN. I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.
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