Target to remodel, upgrade 25 school libraries in 2013

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. will renovate libraries at more than two dozen schools in need across the country this year under a program that will also include book donations and technology upgrades, as well as the option to have a Target-supported food pantry built, the mass merchandise retailer said Wednesday.

Target said each of the 25 libraries would get 2,000 new books, iPads, interactive white boards and more as part of the Target School Library Makeover program. Every student and his or her siblings will receive seven new books to take home at the unveiling of each library.

"The Target School Library Makeover program is part of our commitment to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015," Target president of community relations Laysha Ward said. "By reimagining school libraries and transforming outdated spaces into state-of-the-art learning centers, Target hopes to ignite a love of learning and put more children on the path to high school graduation."

Target will enlist its design and construction teams on a pro bono basis and partner with The Heart of America Foundation for the project.

Each school that gets a library remodel will also have the option to have a Target Meals for Minds food pantry, where the retailer will work with Feeding America to provide students and their families with more than 22 pounds of fresh produce and staple foods each month.

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