Rakuten, Stephen Curry and Eat. Learn. Play. Re-Open Elementary School Library After 10 Years

Just in time for students to head back-to-school, Rakuten, Stephen Curry, Rakuten brand ambassador and Golden State Warriors Point Guard and Curry’s foundation, Eat. Learn. Play teamed up to reopen the school library at Oakland’s Garfield Elementary School after more than 10 years without one. Inspired by Rakuten and Curry’s shared dedication to fostering optimism and empowering potential in the next generation, Rakuten will fill Garfield Elementary’s new library shelves with hundreds of books spotlighting underrepresented stories and authors when it opens later this fall.

Originally opened in 1928, Garfield is one of the Oakland Unified School District’s largest and oldest Elementary Schools, serving more than 550 students.

“We have been working toward a new library for more than 10 years and are beyond grateful for the generous support and donation from Rakuten, Stephen Curry and Eat. Learn. Play. We are thrilled that it will take this project over the finish line for our students,” said Garfield Elementary School principal Edgar Rodriguez-Ramirez. “This new library will provide our students access to culturally diverse books that tell untold stories of our community and will be a safe space for our kids to continue to foster their love of reading and explore their creativity.”

In addition, echoing the mindfulness the Curry family practices as part of their back to school routine, Rakuten will support the creation of “mindfulness corners” in each of Garfield’s classrooms so students may be present and focused on learning each day.

“There is nothing more rewarding than investing in the potential of the next generation. Stephen and Rakuten share a commitment to sparking joy and optimism in our communities,” explained Rakuten CMO Dana Marineau. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Stephen and Eat. Learn. Play. by supporting Garfield Elementary’s incredible commitment to making reading fun and accessible for its students.”

Stephen, a dad of three, is also sharing his favorite essentials for heading back to school for parents as they prep their kids for the new school year. All items included are available via Rakuten for Cash Back rewards. Spoiler alert: you can get up to 8% in cash back rewards on Stephen’s favorites.

Rakuten is a founding partner of Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s non-profit dedicated to unlocking the potential of every child by fighting to end childhood hunger, ensuring students have access to a quality education, and providing safe places for all children to play and be active. Together Rakuten and Eat. Learn. Play. have supported thousands of Bay Area students.