Exciting Changes for the Ken Caryl Middle School Library

Post date: May 2, 2016 9:05:39 PM

Libraries in the 21^st century are changing. Silent rooms with stacks of books are a thing of the past. 21^st century libraries, often called learning commons, reconceptualize the traditional library. They provide a user experience that promotes openness, flexibility, comfort, and inspiration. They are a dynamic student centered environment that offers opportunities for collaborative and innovative learning.

Our library is undergoing a remodel to achieve the look and functionality of a 21^st century learning commons. New reconfigurable tables and stackable chairs in the main area will allow us to easily modify the space to address the needs of our users. A balanced mixture of high-top tables, inviting benches, lounge seating, and small private study chairs will encourage students with various needs to utilize the comfortable areas throughout the library. Flexible shelving will permit us to collapse different areas as needed to accommodate multiple group sizes. A community room/model classroom will provide an additional resource to patrons, as both a professional development opportunity for staff and an inviting meeting space for groups both within Ken Caryl Middle School and the larger community. A second mounted projector in the space will help us to accommodate groups of all sizes during presentations.

Additionally, we have been working with our facilities management team to have the space newly painted with vibrant colors this May. A local interior designer has been volunteering her time to help guide us in paint choices that revitalize the space and supports student learning. In collaboration with the art teacher, we have been selecting modern frames and shelving to display student work. We have lush plants that have been donated from two local garden centers to help keep the area fresh and inviting. Parent volunteers have been helping in the library as well by organizing the books and preparing the walls to ready the space for this transformation.

The entire remodel should be completed by the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. If you are by the school, please visit the library to see our transformation in progress. We look forward to a grand opening event in August. This is a very exciting change for our school.