When a local Catholic school donated more than 1,100 books to a public school, doors to learning and friendship opened.

        Cardinal Pacelli, a K-8 Catholic school in Mount Lookout, collected new and used books during Catholic Schools Week Jan. 25-Feb. 4 for Hyde Park School's Literacy Center.

        Hyde Park School, also K-8, eliminated its library and librarian position three years ago to hire another teacher. This year, the school created the Literacy Center, with Scholastic Reading Counts approved books, quizzes and software.

        Carol Carlson, Hyde Park literacy intervention teacher, said the Literacy Center, which would have cost $10,000-$15,000, was not possible without donations from Hyde Park staff and Cardinal Pacelli.

        “We want to say thank you, but to go beyond that, when you are able to expand a child's literacy rate, you've opened doors,” Hyde Park principal Shauna Murphy said. “They (Pacelli) have definitely taught them through their generosity.”

        Barb Culbertson, Pacelli book drive coordinator, said the school's 440 students collected the books. Barnes & Noble and Joseph-Beth Booksellers offered discounts for the drive.

        Fifteen Cardinal Pacelli fifth-grade students delivered the books Friday and met with 19 Hyde Park fifth-graders. The children shelved books, worked on crafts and played games.

        Pacelli student Michael Kessler donated books from his own collection. “It's nice to give other people books that I like,” he said.

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