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 are closed because they lack library staffing, four of the eight have book collections that were last updated in the 1970’s. All lack 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 has since been taken on as an initiative of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation The Foundation has put its full muscle behind the project, wielding its 16 years of experience in marshalling community resources.