After many years of planning and fundraising, the $1,400,000 library at Montemalaga Elementary School finally had its opening celebration and dedication on January 9th. This is quite an accomplishment in a time when many schools are struggling. This project actually had its roots back in 2000 when the new principal, Patricia Stewart, arrived at the school and realized that the library and computer lab were not large enough to meet the needs of the growing student population. At that time, both the computer lab and library were moved from their small classrooms into a small portable building brought to the campus by the school district. It quickly became apparent that the portable was not adequate to serve as a library and computer lab, and in 2002 the process to build a new library began. The result is the beautiful new library that you see today!
Every piece of the library, construction, landscaping, furnishings and books were privately funded. The major donor was the Centofante family and the library is dedicated to the former school volunteer, Mary J. Centofante. Mary’s five children said that their mother had volunteered in the library for six years, reading to the students while her own children had attended the school. Montemalaga Elementry School parents and community members also contributed to this library.
The school will be holding an Author’s Fair/Multicultural Festival on May 20. The students will be publishing books that will be on display in the library and that will become part of it’s permanent collection.
The Montemalaga Elementary Libraryis located at 1121 Via Nogales, Palos Verdes Estates 90274.
Photo courtesy of Peninsula News
