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Lena Dunn Gets Library Donation

Last updated on Saturday, November 24, 2012

(WASHINGTON) - The Lena Dunn school library will get a facelift thanks to a generous alumni donation, but the public is needed to help.

The Washington School Board says the renovations at the elementary school library will be funded by Thomas and Stacey Emmons of Houston.

Thomas Emmons, a vice president with LINN Energy in Texas, is a former Lena Dunn student and a 1987 Washington High School graduate. Washington Media Specialist Tara White told the board Emmons wanted to make a lasting donation to his former elementary school.

When Emmons decided to help the library, White says, he enlisted the help of his business contacts through the energy industry. He secured the services of Houston-based architectural firm Ziegler Cooper for design, Kimball International for furniture and LINN Energy to donate technology. Thomas and Stacey Emmons will also be making a sizable donation for materials.

In what will take about a month to complete, the Lena Dunn library will be transformed from its current state to a modern learning center. New carpeting will be installed, along with new shelving, furniture and lighting. A large LCD flat screen TV will also be added for presentations for the children.

New technology will also be installed as LINN Energy is donating 15 new computers, including three tablet computers, for the library.

But White and the board need some help. Currently, there is no one available to tear up and install the new carpet.

She and Superintendent Daniel Roach say the estimates they received from companies were too high and would limit the work the school can do. Roach says estimates were double what the expected costs would be.

They are asking the public to donate to the Lena Dunn project to help defray the costs.

But while the carpet situation is minor, the teachers and staff are excited to have a new library at Lena Dunn. Construction will begin in December and should last a month.

Emmons will be in Washington on Monday to present the donation at Lena Dunn.

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