If you haven’t already heard, the library is being renovated. As library technician, Mrs. Cameron O’Neill, and teacher/librarian, Mrs. Stewart were clearing out the library to prepare for renovations, I had the opportunity to sit down with them to discuss what exactly was to come with these renovations.
While nothing is confirmed, Mrs. Stewart stated that the library is expected to have quite a few changes. This includes new lighting, flooring, and paint on the walls. Mrs. Stewart then further stated that “it sounds like the walls will be covered with something like drywall instead of the cinder block.” They are hoping for new shelving units along the walls, under the windows, and along the back wall so that where the bookstacks currently sit will all be open space. This open space will be replaced by a comfortable seating arrangement where students can go to read a book by the window or work in a group – whatever is required. Mrs. Cameron O’Neill said that “hopefully it will be a very soothing and welcoming space.”
Mrs. Stewart explained that they are trading in the bulky desks for more tablet friendly countertops which are going to be put where the computers currently are. As the computers die, they are to be replaced with tablets. Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Cameron O’Neill also explained that they put in a request for a couple of little seminar rooms. These rooms are to include a large screen in them where you can project from your tablet onto the screen. They will be collaboration stations where small groups can work together on one thing.
The books are to be temporarily stored in an empty classroom except for the fiction section which has been moved down to room 151. Mrs. Stewart explained that this is because “when you’re choosing fiction, it’s not really doable to go rooting through boxes, but if a teacher wants a selection of books, we can always retrieve them from the nonfiction boxes, but fiction needs to be out there on display so you can browse for it.”
These renovations within the library are expected to be completed between April and June of 2022. We are excited to see how the library will look once all the renovations are finished.
