Page 10 - Priorities #15 2001-July

We have been working on plans to move the library to its former home in what is now the Assembly Hall.
WPS: How could we make the library better?
We need to separate the computers from the other
media. When we have a class in the library, it can get too noisy and chaotic for other users. We have been working on plans to move the library to its former home in what is now the Assembly Hall. If we are able to do this, we would use the entire room for collections and the adjacent music room, with possibly some additions, for the computers.
This would allow us to close the door when we are working with a class in one room, and students in the other room can be doing homework, taking a test, doing research, reading, working on a project— all the other reasons they come to the library.
(Peter) The students would benefit from access to “quiet rooms” where they could do group research and work on group presentations. These rooms would also be heavily used after school by tutors. The only space we have available now is the Rare Books Room.
(Susan) My dream is to have a part of the library with comfortable chairs, skylights, plants, a place where people can read quietly and relax in surroundings that are inviting. Students sometimes like to lie down on a sofa or sit on the floor. We need a welcoming place where people can enjoy reading.
WPS: Why are we planning to move the library?
We looked at various ways to expand this location but none was very appealing. When the architects looked at all the school’s needs, it appeared that the most cost-effective and least disruptive solution is a three-part plan. First, the library can move into the Assembly Hall and music room. Second, a bigger assembly hall and performing arts classrooms are needed, in a different location. Third, the current library space can be used for a student center and faculty offices.
Quiet reading can be a challenge when a class is using the library. (Scott Sheinbaum holds the book; Mitch Neuger’s sixth grade and some independent users are at the computers.) If the library moved to the Assembly Hall (where it was formerly located), computers could go in an adjacent room separated by double doors.
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