Understanding that much can be achieved through cooperation, in January 2005 a coalition of parents, teachers and principals from eight Capitol Hill schools joined forces to define ways to improve these schools.

In the neighborhood standing in the shadow of the Capitol Building, two school libraries were closed because they lacked library staffing, four of the eight had book collections that were last updated in the 1970’s. All lacked modern technology, well-stocked core book collections, and a physical environment conducive to learning.

The sub-standard condition of the libraries was identified as a critical concern common to all the schools, and thus, the School Libraries Project was born.

The all-volunteer School Libraries Project was taken on as an initiative of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation The Foundation put its full muscle behind the project, wielding its 16 years of experience in marshalling community resources.

All eight Capitol Hill school libraries were renovated on time and under-budget. The Capitol Hill Community Foundation continues to support the libraries by purchasing materials, providing maintenance assistance, commissioning original murals, and continuing advocacy for successful library programs.