JFK cut the ribbon on a brightly colored and inviting new elementary library on Oct. 11. The Deer Park Board of Education and district and school administrators worked together to plan and design the library as part of improvement projects included in the district’s $17 million Capital Bond Referendum approved last October.

Karen Mannale, the teaching assistant who manages JFK’s library, packed and labeled 1,000 boxes of books this past June with the help of several other staff members. In September, they carefully planned out the placement of each book category, unpacked the boxes and re-shelved every book. At the ceremony, Mannale and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen took out scissors to cut matching ribbons on the library’s doors to usher in the new era.

“We are grateful for our new library,” said Principal Susan Bonner. “The older one was becoming unsafe for our children due to broken, unrepairable and outdated shelving after so many years. We now have a large workroom, two book checkout areas, and enough seating for two classes along with a great assortment of titles for the children in a very sturdy and safe environment. Thank you Deer Park!”