Three Rural Schools Receive New Library and Classroom Reading Corners

The Library Project is pleased to celebrate a recent donation made possible by the generosity of Tanjia, a longtime supporter of children’s literacy and educational opportunities. Through this initiative, three rural elementary schools received one Reading Room and 18 Reading Corners, expanding access to books and learning resources for students and teachers.

Tanjia has been personally supporting The Library Project since 2018. Over the past several years, this partnership has helped bring library donations to 16 schools, creating opportunities for children in rural communities to discover the joy of reading and develop lifelong learning habits. This latest donation continues that commitment and reflects the lasting impact that dedicated individual supporters can have on schools and students.

The visits to the three schools highlighted the important role that educators and communities play in fostering a culture of reading. At the first school, the principal demonstrated a deep commitment to literacy. She has invested in high-quality picture books for the school and created reading bags that allow students to borrow books and take them home each day. She expressed her appreciation for the books provided through this donation and shared her enthusiasm for expanding reading opportunities for her students. During the literacy activities, the children participated actively and enthusiastically.

At the second school, teachers regularly organize reading activities and encourage students to build strong reading habits. They spoke highly of the donated books and expressed gratitude for the support provided through this project. During the donation activities, fifth-grade students actively engaged with visitors in the Reading Room and demonstrated strong reading skills. The interactions reflected the positive reading culture established within the school.

The third school offered another reminder of the impact that books can have on young readers. During literacy activities, three students shared their favorite books with the group. Donor volunteers also discussed the books they enjoyed reading as children and encouraged students to read widely, explore new ideas, and develop a lifelong habit of reading.

Reading Rooms are a core program of The Library Project. These dedicated library spaces provide students with access to carefully selected children’s books, colorful bookshelves, tables, and chairs in a welcoming environment designed to encourage reading and learning. Reading Rooms support both independent reading and group activities while helping schools create a lasting culture of literacy. More information can be found on our Reading Rooms page.

Eighteen Reading Corners were also established throughout two additional schools. Reading Corners place high-quality STEAM books directly into classrooms, giving students and teachers immediate access to educational resources that support lesson plans, independent learning, and daily reading. By bringing libraries closer to students, Reading Corners help foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a stronger connection to books. Learn more on our Reading Corners page.

To ensure long-term success, all teachers at participating schools will participate in a one-year teacher training program. Through on-site training, online training, regional workshops, national trainings, and ongoing support, educators gain the skills needed to maximize the impact of the libraries. In addition, comprehensive monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to ensure both usage and measurable outcomes.

Book selection for every Reading Room and Reading Corner is guided by The Library Project’s Book Content Core Values. These values emphasize STEAM education, inclusion and diversity, environmental protection, girls’ education, promoting world peace, and nurturing the heart and mind. By providing books that reflect these themes, students gain access to resources that strengthen literacy while encouraging empathy, creativity, and a broader understanding of the world.

“Tanjia’s commitment to children’s literacy has made a meaningful difference for students and schools over many years,” said Tom Stader, Executive Director & Founder of The Library Project. “We are deeply grateful for this continued partnership and for the opportunities it has created for children to discover books, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of reading.”

The Library Project remains committed to improving literacy opportunities for children in underserved communities. Through the generosity of long-term supporters like Tanjia, more students can gain access to books, educational resources, and learning environments that help them thrive.