The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has announced an expansion of its multiyear, multi-sector Baltimore Elementary and Middle Schools Library Project.

Building on the success of the initiative, the foundation will more than double its commitment to $5 million over four years, up from $2.25 million over two years, toward construction of a total of twelve new libraries. Launched in December, the initiative involves nearly thirty businesses, nonprofits, and government partners working with Baltimore City Public Schools to design, build, equip, and staff new or renovated libraries at low-performing schools in high-poverty areas.

Each library features new reading materials as well as e-readers, computers, and an "Enoch Pratt Parent Place" where parents and guardians can share time with their children. In addition, the Parks and People Foundation, Wells Fargo, the Maryland Food Bank, the Baltimore Sun, and the Dyslexia Tutoring Program are donating programming and resources to the effort.

The first three renovated libraries — at Southwest Baltimore Charter School, Moravia Park Elementary/Middle School, and Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School — will open in mid-September. Additional schools slated to receive new libraries through the initiative will be announced at that time.

"With this generous gift from the Weinberg Foundation, we can accelerate the evolution of Baltimore City School libraries becoming state-of-the art learning centers," said Library Project designer Daniel K. Proctor. "Through this effort, we hope to put each student on a lifetime path of discovery."