Funding to support mobile library and STEM programming for Randolph Public Schools

Photos | Press Conference

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) visited Randolph to celebrate the $524,000 in federal funding she secured for Turner Free Library to support a mobile library and STEM programming. Rep. Pressley held a roundtable discussion and press conference on how the project will serve elementary and middle school students across Randolph Public Schools who lack regular access to school librarians or library services.

Rep. Pressley was joined by Randolph Town Manager Brian Howard, Randolph Director of Library, Recreation, and Community Programs Elizabeth LaRosee, Turner Free Library Director Sharon Parrington-Wright, Superintendent of Randolph Public Schools Thea Stovell, Randolph Public Schools students, and community leaders and members.

“Students deserve a fair and equitable learning environment, and I am proud to celebrate these federal resources that represent a crucial step towards achieving just that,” said Rep. Pressley. “This funding is a direct investment in our young people, our families, and our communities. Thank you to the Turner Free Library, Randolph leaders, and community members for their partnership and advocacy on behalf of our students.”

“The Town of Randolph is excited for this amazing opportunity to expand outreach and literacy initiatives through Congresswoman Pressley’s FY23 Community Project Funding,” said Brian Howard, Randolph Town Manager. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Pressley for her continued advocacy for the Town of Randolph and its many residents.”

“The Turner Free Library has always been a leading example of outreach and equity in the Town of Randolph through innovative and inclusive programming and services. We are excited to facilitate this collaborative outreach to increase literacy rates in our community,” said Elizabeth LaRosee, Randolph Director of Library, Recreation, and Community Program. “The upcoming Library Bookmobile will bring books, technology, and innovation to all corners of Randolph.”

“We are so grateful for this opportunity to take our early literacy initiatives outside the library’s walls and directly to Randolph’s students! Research has shown that reading to children increases their language acquisition and improves their literacy skills, all of which has long term ramifications for our students,” Sharon Parrington-Wright, Turner Free Library Director. “One in six children who are not reading proficiently in the third grade will not graduate on time from high school, affecting their long-term academic and economic success. The Mobile Services Project will allow us to provide free and equitable access to library resources and staff for more than 2,000 Randolph Public School students.”

“We are very excited for the opportunity to partner with the Turner Free Library and Congresswoman Pressley’s office to bring even more literacy initiatives to our students,” said Thea Stovell, Randolph Public Schools Superintendent. “The Randolph Public Schools are committed to bringing literacy and STEM to the forefront of our learning environment through this innovative collaboration.”

Footage from the event can be found here, and photos are available here.

Rep. Pressley secured the federal funding for Turner Free Library in the recent government spending package that passed Congress and was signed into law by President Biden in December. Rep. Pressley secured millions for 15 community projects across the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District in this major Congressional appropriations bill, capping off nearly a year of advocacy by Rep. Pressley and local leaders.

• In March, Rep. Pressley visited Dorchester to celebrate $250,000 in new Community Project Funding she secured for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston’s one-to-one mentoring and enrichment programs for girls.
• In February, Rep. Pressley visited the African Community Economic Development of New England (ACEDONE) to celebrate the $643,003 in community project funding she secured for ACEDONE to support small businesses in predominately Black, brown and African immigrant communities. 

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