New Bedford’s Gomes Elementary Lands $25,000 Grant for Library

A beloved New Bedford elementary school library is getting a major upgrade thanks to a generous $25,000 grant from Bristol County Savings Bank.

The funding will help level up the Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School library, allowing the purchase of more than 1,000 new multicultural books in both English and Spanish. The renovations are considered a major boost for the school’s growing Spanish Dual Language Program.

New Bedford’s Gomes Elementary Library Receives $25,000 Grant

The grant comes through the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, which has been a steady force for good since its founding in 1996. To date, the Foundation has committed more than $35.6 million to nonprofit organizations in the communities the bank serves, with a record $2.9 million awarded in 2024 alone.

“As someone who loves to read, I know how exciting it is to open a book that sparks your imagination, and this project is going to make sure students have plenty of those moments,” said John Silva, President and CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and President of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation. “We’re thrilled to help bring the Gomes Elementary library back to life!”

More Than 1,000 New Multicultural Books on the Way

The funding will be used to purchase updated, relevant, multicultural titles that better reflect the diverse backgrounds of Gomes students. Many of the books will be available in both English and Spanish, giving dual-language learners more chances to see themselves in the stories they read while building strong literacy skills.

Get our free mobile app

‘The Heartbeat of a School’ in New Bedford

Superintendent Andrew O’Leary called the project a spark for renewed investment in school libraries. “A library can be the heartbeat of a school. This donation will help our young people fall in love with reading,” he said.

Gomes Elementary, home to more than 600 students in Pre-K through sixth grade, now has an even stronger foundation to inspire lifelong learners with curiosity, confidence, and a love of books.