JOHNSONBURG — Domtar Corp., which owns the Johnsonburg Paper Mill, announced that it has donated over $12,000 to create a new, unique reading room within the Johnsonburg Area Junior/Senior High School library.
Employee volunteers joined the students of the high school for a ribbon-cutting ceremony from Thursday to officially open the “Domtar Learning Lounge.”
According to Greg Linscott, general manager of Domtar’s Johnsonburg Mill, the new learning lounge is located within the library at the junior/senior high school. Some old book stacks were removed and space was renovated with students in the National Honor Society and Student Council taking the lead on designing the space. The project was led by the Johnsonburg Mill’s EarthChoice Ambassadors — employee volunteers committed to promoting sustainable practices.
“Promoting literacy is one of Domtar’s corporate giving pillars,” said Domtar corporate responsibility manager, Heather Alverson Stowe. “Creating the Domtar Learning Lounge and putting books in the hands of students in the community is a cause that is close to our hearts and central to our business.”
Recognized as one of the most technologically advanced paper mills in the world, Domtar’s Johnsonburg Mill boasts a long and rich history of papermaking since its operations began in 1888. The mill manufactures uncoated free sheet paper that is used by customers to create brochures, direct mail, stationery, checks, envelopes, and hardbound books. The mill employs 360 people in the Johnsonburg community.
“In an effort to support the community and school district, the Johnsonburg Mill leadership team invited school district representatives to share a ‘wish list’ of items that would benefit the students. A reading room at the junior/senior high school was included on the list,” said Linscott. The lounge features two large couches, two reclining chairs, two coffee tables and two large bean bags. It can accommodate both small and large groups. A white board was installed, and an audiobook listening system was purchased for students wishing to follow along as books on CD are read-aloud.
“Our employees are committed to making a difference and are especially excited to help foster a love of reading for Johnsonburg students,” said Linscott. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Johnsonburg Area School District and look forward to collaborating on future projects to enhance our students’ learning experience.”
In addition to having access to the books already in the library, students using the learning lounge have access to almost 500 brand new books covering a variety of topics and reading levels. These books can be borrowed from the library.
The books Domtar donated were printed on paper made from the Johnsonburg Mill. In addition there are books depicting Johnsonburg’s history, including the history of the mill. Furniture for the Domtar Learning Lounge was provided at a discount by Roy B. Constable Stores Inc.
“The Domtar Learning Lounge has already engaged and excited our students by involving them in the planning and design process,” said Johnsonburg High Principal Brock Benson. “Our entire school is looking forward to having such a unique space for students to embrace learning and literacy.”
