After a year of almost completely virtual, we have come back in-person to a brand new library!
“We used to have blocked off study rooms and this space has been more open for people to be collaborative and for people to work together. We also have couches and booths for the same type of purpose and the library shelves are moveable so that it creates a difference in the library depending on the rotation of the shelves and where people want the shelves to be,” said senior Lane Gray.
This year’s seniors have been a part of the redesign committee that has helped the librarians and administrators decide how to repaint and re-furnish the library.
One of the biggest changes made to the library is the library cafe, a place where students can sit and eat while studying and also serves as an additional place to eat lunch. In the past, students had to leave food and drink outside of the library and there was no designated place for students to eat inside.
“This provides a capacity for students to eat and enjoy their food in a place that’s similar to the cafeteria but still enjoy the atmosphere of the library,” said Gray.
The moveable shelves and furniture gives the library a more open feeling and makes students feel comfortable while they are studying or stuck at school for a long time. The old library had an old-time feel to it and the modern look has made students feel like it’s a place for them
The redesign doesn’t just benefit the students, as the librarians have also been a part of the redesign and have taken a liking to the new look as well.
“The new addition of the eating area is a blessing…we’re still learning boundaries and overall I think it’s a plus. We’re still thinking of what to put on the walls and we want to add instructional areas and interactive screens,” said librarian Barb Donahue.
The library redesign is still a work in progress but the new spaces have had an effect on students and increased how many students visit the library each day. As the design continues throughout the year, it’s no question that the library will continue to improve and become a popular place to eat and study in the school.
Check out this video of student reps giving a tour of the library:
