Even as classrooms become more reliant on digital technology, books still have an important place in schools.

Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council Inc. announced a $6,000 grant to Thorsby School to help buy new English textbooks for grades 7-12.

The grant was part of a larger project that involved many community members working together.

“I never would’ve thought this would have pulled us together like this,” said Pam Price with the Thorsby Parental Involvement Team.

Price led a fundraising effort that “turned into a county-wide project,” she said.

Thorsby Principal Russ Bryan thanked Price at a grant announcement event in the school’s library on Sept. 14 and also gave a couple of English teachers an opportunity to speak.

“The books we have are wearing out,” Ginger Williams said. “The books are awesome. We actually have enough that we can send them home now (with the students). The students are even excited.”

The school and the parental involvement team worked together to raise more than $30,000. The county board of education and state Rep. Kurt Wallace were among the contributors.

Chilton County Schools Superintendent Dave Hayden attended the announcement ceremony for Cawaco’s grant.

“When we work together, we can accomplish things,” Hayden said. “This is a prime example of that.”