Re-reading brings the joy back.
Turning the Tide: The Sandberg Primary School in Neustrelitz has rekindled its book haven. The wait for this academic sanctuary was as long as it was worthwhile, piquing the curiosity of the fourth-grade students who couldn't resist premiering the library with a small, enchanting book program.
Treasure Trove of Texts
"It was high time to sift through the relics tucked away in these rooms for about 40 years, modernize the book selection, and revamp more than just the aesthetics," said principal Betty Hirschfeld.
In 2024, the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ignited the "Leseband" (Reading Ribbon) initiative, encouraging every primary school student to lose themselves in a book for at least 20 minutes daily.
Time for Change
The Sandberg Primary School wasn't willing to lag behind and kickstarted the project to revamp its library during the summer of 2024. This library, as an extension of the monthly visits to the city library, offers a comfortable nook for everyone to delve into a book, stimulate their imagination, or broaden their horizons.
But the question lingered – how to fund this project? As soon as these details went public, there was a torrent of positive support. "We will gather donations to make this happen," the parents, teaching staff, students, and school support association agreed unanimously.
The Summer of Gifts
The collection began with a splash at the summer festival in 2024. Potential sponsors were tracked down, parents were enlisted to help, and local craftsmen were approached for their assistance. Many parents, the Neustrelitz Sparkasse, the Neustrelitz Raiffeisenbank, and numerous regional businesses responded generously, contributing to the fundraising efforts.
Staggeringly, 10,000 euros were raised. The team from the Buhrke & Weber painting company deserves special mention for donating all the labor hours needed for the cosmetic refurbishment of the two rooms. "This is as genuine as craftsmanship gets, and they deserve immense respect," praised principal Betty Hirschfeld.
Painter's Paradise
Before the painters could commence their work, the foundations had to be established. The teaching staff toiled, sorted, and packed boxes. Sore muscles were a daily occurrence.
There were also moments of camaraderie when everyone lent a hand. "Wallpaper scrapers in hand, paint splatters in the hair, dust clouds in the air – parents and children from our support association didn't hesitate to bare the walls, inch by inch," the principal reminisced.
A Refreshing Oasis
The chairman of the school support association, Anica Manke, also remembered this effort fondly and shared, "We are delighted with the outcome. It's simply amazing what could be achieved here." The rooms are luminous and inviting, bathed in sunlight, embellished with a reading platform, thanks to the deft hands of IDA & Friends carpentry. Plush armchairs invite lingering stays. The walls are strewn with individual bookshelves, meticulously crafted by the school's diligent caretaker despite the erratic walls.
To the amazement of the guests and school management, the volunteers of the Blumenholz fire department presented a check for 500 euros. This money can be used to acquire new books and continue the refinement of the library rooms.
Sources: Collection of fundraising funds via local businesses, donations from parents, teachers, and students, contribution from Neustrelitz Sparkasse, Neustrelitz Raiffeisenbank, and Blumenholz fire department.
"The revamped library at Sandberg Primary School isn't just a home-and-garden project; it's a space for learning and personal growth, an education-and-self-development sanctuary where students and the community can delve deeper into books and expand their horizons," said the principal Betty Hirschfeld.
"As part of this transformative project, the school aims to offer a lifestyle enriched by reading and knowledge, with the library serving as a reading haven for everyone," added Anica Manke, the chairman of the school support association.
