New Librarian Brings New Ideas

The library at Cranberry Area Jr./Sr. High School is undergoing significant transformations for the 2025-2026 school year. The librarian, Justine Zuchowski, is implementing these adjustments to create a more comfortable environment for students to learn, as well as a way for students to visit the library.

Filling the open position over the summer, Zuchowski wished to give students an area to learn with a coffee house vibe, “chill” lighting, and classical music playing. 

“There are different areas that you can work in and other areas where you can chill or just sit in silence,” Zuchowski stated. 

The new library has many new features like a tech bar, which includes outlets to charge chromebooks and coding, an art section that has arts and crafts supplies, a projected fireplace, and different zones all throughout the library. 

The new zones include a study area, where students can work on assignments or study for a test, a quiet area where students can just sit and enjoy the quiet, and a collaboration area where students can go to whisper with friends. 

All the new additions add great value to the way students can study or relax. 

A number of students at Cranberry seem to like the new library setup.

“It is better than last year,” Garrison Snyder, a sophomore at Cranberry, stated. “I like it.” 

“The presence of the library is very appealing,” said Caleb Seybert, a senior at Cranberry High School.

Zuchowski has also made changes to the library passes. The new library passes include all students, not just honor roll students. Zuchowski made these alterations because, “A 7th grader came into the library during open house and asked when she could come to the library.” According to “the old system, there wouldn't be a time for you [the student] to come.” Zuchowski stated.

The amount of students that are able to go to the library is determined by the amount of study halls in that period. Students per study hall is also a contributing factor. In a class of 15-20, there are 5 students allowed to go to the library at once, but with some study halls being larger, exceptions have been made.

The library is large but has limited space which led to challenges for Zuchowski. Rule changes regarding who can access the library and when has left some students with mixed feelings. 

“I think the library has been better behaved since the restricted passes. However, I feel that advanced students aren’t being rewarded as much for their dedication to their studies and their accomplishments aren’t being recognized,” commented Conner Zerbe, a senior at Cranberry.

Zerbe agrees, however, that “It [new library rules and set-up] does give a quieter and healthier environment to study.” 

Others agree, saying, “It's a more comfortable environment,” and “The library doesn't affect my studies in a negative way,” indicating that they would rather do their work in the library.

With its inviting atmosphere, flexible study spaces, and inclusive access, the newly transformed library is quickly becoming a favorite spot for students to learn, relax, and connect at Cranberry High School.