As the 21st century unfolds and as information technology moves forward, our school libraries need to follow suit. Even the name of the facility, traditionally referred to as the “library,” has gone through its own transformations, from resource centre to library media centre to learning commons. The library is the central hub of the school, a gateway into the world … and yet many libraries are stuck in a time warp. What is the average publication date of the library collection? Is the library layout and design conducive to collaborative learning? Does the library provide a warm, safe, enriching environment for student learning and socializing? Is the library being used for educational purposes as well as for pleasure?

Libraries are an integral part of schools, as long as they are well used. Library design and layout plays an important part in creating an atmosphere that is inviting and safe for students of all ages. Clear areas, designated for specific purposes, allow students to decide how they will spend their time in the library without interrupting others. For example, a computer lab set up in rows suddenly creates accountability as students police themselves on the internet sites they visit. Quiet reading rooms or spaces allow students to relax with a good book or catch up on their homework. Areas conducive to collaborative work allow students to be more vocal as they sit around tables discussing various topics and putting together assignments.

Make the library space into an open concept, where sight lines are clear. For some students, the library is the only place they feel a sense of belonging. This open concept allows students to feel safe within the school and it also opens the doors for student interaction that otherwise would not take place if everyone was seated by themselves at study carrels. Open the blinds and allow the natural light to enrich the ambiance of the room. Add colour to the walls, perhaps by enlisting the school’s art classes to create a mural. Make the library’s atmosphere relaxing by adding a couple of lamps and comfortable seating. Keep the library clean and tidy and ask students to pick up after themselves. Soon they will take ownership of the library and respect their surroundings.

The library collection also has to be revived. How can books compete with the internet when they are outdated? Books published in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s are not treasures that will increase in price one day – they are dust collectors. The fact they are so dusty is a clear indication that they are not well used and are simply cluttering shelves and camouflaging the rest of the collection. Get rid of them and make the rest of your collection stand out. Purchase new books on contemporary topics and create new book displays so that students know they are available to be signed out. Buy what the students want. Set up a book suggestion box and allow students to have a voice as to what is purchased. Allow those who make a book request to read the newly purchased item first before putting it out for the rest of the school.

Turn the school library into a social gathering place during lunch and soon the word will spread that the library is the “cool” place to be. Provide students with intellectual activities such as chess, mastermind, and other games appropriate for their age levels. Allow them to move chairs to make large study groups and to collaborate around computers as they complete group assignments with ease and enjoyment. Encourage students to drop in and check out what’s happening in the library by advertising library events through the school’s daily announcements. But most importantly, don’t worry about noise levels. The library has transformed from a quiet boring place to an enriching, safe, vibrant, and social learning environment. Students are attracted to noise, and a good level of productive noise will keep them coming back. Remember, some of the best learning takes place through interaction.

How will you know if you have successfully revived your school library? Teachers will begin to comment on how many students they see reading and requesting to go to the library. Students will feel lost and will not know where to go during lunch when you announce the library is closed for a special event. But the most rewarding evidence is the morning line-up of students waiting for the teacher-librarian to greet them with a smile and once again, open the doors to their sacred place, the school library.

Anna Luszczynski is a Teacher-Librarian with Scarlett Heights Entrepreneurial Academy, Toronto District School Board. anna.luszczynski@tel.tdsb.on.ca