Grinnell College directs $3,000 to Grinnell-Newburg school libraries from December sales at the Pioneer Bookshop

Continued support from Grinnell College and the community helps libraries expand their collections and enrich educational experience at Grinnell Middle and High schools
 

​     Grinnell-Newburg students showcasing some of their favorite books at the library. Pictured are, from left: Olivia Blankenfeld, Nathaniel Zug, Will Burkhead, Hailey Buban, Thea Larsson, Gavin Gilman, Cara Locker and Zoe Stoner.

​   As a partner in education with Grinnell High School, Grinnell College donated 10 percent of December sales from the Pioneer Bookshop to the Grinnell-Newburg High School and Grinnell Middle School libraries. The donation reflects the outstanding support of local shoppers.
    According to Chelsey Kolpin, Grinnell-Newburg High School and Middle School librarian, the funds will be used to continue to focus on diversity in both school collections to make sure all voices are represented, as well as updating popular series and filling student requests.
   “I am so thankful for the support Grinnell College gives us in this gift of books,” Kolpin said. “The pandemic prevented our partnership from happening last year, and that made me realize just how much this donation adds to our library collections. It's a game changer, as it allows me to add books to the libraries throughout the winter and spring, when my building budgets tend to get thinner.”
    "The Pioneer Bookshop recognizes that fostering the love of reading at an early age creates lifetime readers,” said Cassie Wherry, manager of the bookstore. “We want to show our support for the school libraries by helping them create a selection of books popular with our youth. Thanks to all the Pioneer Bookshop shoppers who helped support this donation by shopping locally in December." 

     Grinnell-Newburg students reading with friends in the library. Pictured are, from left, front row: Reagan Stensrud, Lily Montgomery, Rome Tew, Kyle McDonald, Brady Grife. Second row: Derek Doty, Satgam Sharma, Ben Kelne, Ethan Sheko and Will Burkhead.