Yankees Brett Gardner helps unveil renovated library at P.S. 130

Yankees Brett Gardner helps unveil renovated library at P.S. 130

There isn’t a better way to encourage students to use their new library then to have a New York Yankee join them for its grand opening.

Bronx Bombers left fielder Brett Gardner joined the students and faculty of P.S. 130 at 750 Prospect Avenue to unveil a totally renovated library on Tuesday, November 15.

The improved space was made possible through the Advil Congestion Relief Project, which is currently going across the United States to provide literal relief in congested areas. The donation of the new library to P.S. 130 was the first stop on Advil’s tour.

The students all sat in front of Gardner wearing Yankees hats while the slugger read to them, “Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way.” Gardner, a father of two young boys, believes the best way to help students engage themselves in improving their education is by providing them with a better working environment.

“For me to take part in improving kids education is a high priority of mine, especially being able to help kids of the Bronx where I play baseball,” Gardner said. “With this new library we can help the kids look towards the future. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a library like this when I was a kid, but with the technology that they have today, it can certainly motivate them to read and learn more.”

The Advil Congestion Relief Project made a donation to support P.S. 130 through the Fund for Public Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the city’s public schools by attracting private investment in school reform and encouraging greater involvement by all New Yorkers in the education of children.

The school received hundreds of new books, new computers and laptops, new televisions, and a colorful makeover with a fresh paint job. After Gardner read to them, students were allowed to check-out the library and all of the newest additions.

School library teacher David Levin, who has taught at P.S. 130 for over 10 years, was impressed with the enhancements made to the school’s reading space. He believes it will further improve the education of students at the school for years to come.

“Before our students had to crowd around a few computers when I was trying to teach them about online research, typing, and other technology skills, and due to our limited book collection, there were often long waits for the children to check out their favorite books,” Levin said. “Now, our space looks so much more inviting and every student has access to a laptop when they attend class in the library.”

For more information about what the Advil Congestion Relief Project can provide for your community, visit CongestionReliefProject.com.

Reach Vito Signorile via e-mail at vsignorile@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3383.