Turning the Page: How Library Revamps in Harlan County Are Changing the Game for Students

Today, that is no longer the case.

Thanks to the support from the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grant, four K-8 elementary schools in Harlan County — Cawood, Green Hills, Rosspoint, and James A. Cawood — have transformed their underutilized libraries into welcoming, engaging hubs for students, teachers, and families.

At Cawood Elementary, the transformation is incredible. The new tables can even be used as dry erase boards. New books, vibrant furniture, and upgraded flooring gave the library a much-needed glow-up. An unused corner now serves as a Maker Space with advanced STEM materials. 

At James A. Cawood Elementary, the library is now the heart of the school. With fresh paint, colorful furniture, and new books, students now have a vibrant and welcoming area that encourages literacy and connection. Rosspoint Elementary’s library has also seen these exciting changes. New dry-erase tables, social-emotional learning corners, and school spirit-designed furniture are just a few of the amazing updates the library received. Meanwhile, Green Hills Elementary’s library went from outdated and underutilized to a vibrant hub, encouraging students to dive into literacy in their new environment.

From forgotten corners to favorite areas, these new and brighter libraries are shaped for student success. They now serve as more than just places to read — they’re spaces where creativity sparks, ideas come to life, and students feel loved and supported. These transformations are more than just updates; they serve as spaces where students can unlock their futures one page at a time.