10/28/2026
El MIrage Elementary iExplore teacher Lucy Blanco had to wait a while to receive her 2025 DEF Laird Mini - Grant items for her library classroom. We're happy to hear that it was worth the wait! Here's what Ms. Blanco reported:
"I wanted to inform you that we finally got our classroom furniture with the DEF grant I was awarded last school year.
The addition of our new library furniture has transformed our reading area into a vibrant, welcoming haven that has visibly sparked a renewed love for books among our students. Gone are the days of rigid wooden chairs and uninspiring seating; instead, children are now drawn to the comfortable, cozy reading nooks and flexible soft seating that invite them to curl up with a good story.
By creating a comfortable space where kids genuinely want to relax and linger, reading no longer feels like a task, it feels like an enjoyable adventure. Students eagerly rush to the library to claim their favorite spots, lose themselves in new worlds, and enthusiastically share their favorite finds with peers, turning our reading space into a bustling hub of curiosity and literary joy."
Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I am forever grateful!"
