New York, NY (July 11, 2006) -- As part of its long-term Gulf Coast school recovery initiative, Scholastic has joined with NBC News “Weekend Today” to rebuild and revitalize school libraries in the areas hit hardest by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Scholastic’s “School Libraries Work!: Rebuilding for Learning” and NBC News’ “Today Turns the Page” will help get the right library books onto the shelves of school libraries and into the hands of students in the Gulf Coast.
 
Beginning on June 25th and continuing throughout the summer, money collected at www.scholastic.com/schoollibraries will be used to purchase an extensive collection of Scholastic Library Publishing’s nonfiction, reference and fiction books that will be sent to selected school libraries in the Gulf Coast.  Numerous research studies have shown that school libraries staffed by a qualified librarian and stocked with current, age-appropriate materials aligned to the curriculum make a measurable difference on student achievement. In the first two weeks of the initiative, more than $60,000 was pledged to purchase these library books.
 
Concerned teachers, families and children have also shared messages of hope with the students and school librarians who will receive the book collections:
 
“I hope this donation will help get your school year off to a good start.  As an elementary
school principal, I know the energy that is generated through the school library.  Good luck as you re-open your doors to the students of the Gulf Coast.”
Principal in Illinois
 
“I am very sorry about what happened to your school.  I love to read, and I know it must be very sad to have lost all your library books.  I hope you can use this money to help rebuild your library.”
5-year old from Maryland
 
“Learning comes from books, from life experiences, and all those who touch our lives.  May you always continue to learn in order to improve your life and the lives of others.”
Family in Texas
 
“Nearly one year after hurricanes destroyed communities in the Gulf Coast, many school libraries are still without vital resources including books, technology and other materials. This initiatives gives ‘Today’s’ viewers an opportunity to be part of the important work of supporting school libraries and restoring and revitalizing learning in the Gulf Coast,” says Greg Worrell, President, Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company.
 
In addition to the books purchased with participants’ generous help, Scholastic will give each of the school libraries free access to Grolier Online, an educational portal that makes research easier and more productive. This will help restore the schools’ and communities’ access to reliable information online.
 
To learn more about the schools that will receive the collections of books visit www.weekendtoday.msnbc.com.  To help purchase books for school libraries in the Gulf Coast visit www.scholastic.com/schoollibraries.
 
About “Weekend Today”
Lyne Pitts is the executive producer of “Weekend Today.” Campbell Brown and Lester Holt are the co-anchors.  The broadcast can be seen on Saturdays (7-9am ET) and Sundays (9-10am ET in New York, please check other local listings).
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology.  Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys.  The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

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