LENDING A HAND | Sophomore Angelina Vasilos emphasizes her appreciation for the librarians’ willingness to help, which she says is never up for question.“I was there a couple of days ago and it was just so relaxing [with] everyone there to help if you need it,” Vasilos said. “They help me with problems on my computer and then they always help me to find new strategies to help me complete my work.”
SAFE HAVEN | With so many new features, the library has transformed in many ways. However, for senior Ed Maguill, the library still holds the same productive atmosphere. “I think the library is good for students because it is a place you can go before school if you are there early,” Magill said. “It is also a good place to get important work done, because it tends to be quieter than most classes.”
CHECKING IT OUT | Compared to the limited book selection showcased in the temporary library, the updated space offers a variety of choices, which is something that sophomore Brandon Hughes takes advantage of. “It is much bigger, [with] more books and a much bigger variety,” Hughes said. “It gives me more learning opportunities and more access to books that I never would have looked at before.”
ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES | The library is a space that has potential for collaboration and creativity. Librarian Amanda Pata says that she advocated for the renovations to include areas where students can produce innovative projects through the green room. “If students have ideas for creating videos for classes or if they have assignments that they are working on, [they] could [benefit from the] use of the green screen,” Pata said.
CARE AND CAFFEINE | Not only does the library contain books and a variety of seating, but it harbors many items that librarian Amanda Pata says will benefit students. She emphasizes that the newly added “Care” Room provides essentials for students, including coffee. “We had our cafe on two media carts for the last few years and those lived by the circulation desk.” Pata said. “Kids came in and kind of counted on space for caffeine or something more to drink. We wanted to really build a space around what students need.”
COLLABORATION STATION | In an attempt to optimize conversation areas for students to work together, the library has added several new pieces of furniture. The newly added seating provides a beneficial workspace, which junior Kendahl Watts says that she readily uses. “It’s a lot of groups and a lot of seats that are next to each other [now], so usually when you come in you’re usually sitting next to someone,” Watts said. “In my case, me and my friend usually sit next to each other and help each other out on different things.”