[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 16, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2658-S2660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
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
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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
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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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