Fordham Prep ’ s McNamara Library is located in the heart of the school ’ s main building , Shea Hall . Like any high school library , its function centers on quiet study and research . Last school year it was even more quiet as the Prep operated a hybrid academic schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic . |
However , with a new school year and a return to full inperson learning , the library has undergone many changes . New School Librarian and Media Specialist Eleanor Friedman began her tenure in September . The month also christened the new Adlerman Makerspace Lab used in conjunction with the Prep ’ s iSTEAM initiative . This new space joined the school ’ s Global Education Conference Room and Art Reference Room as those that call the library home . It even has new trash receptacles to help with the school ’ s Green Initiative . |
As the physical and perhaps metaphorical center of student life at Fordham Prep , a number of students wished to imbue the space with more of the school ’ s unique culture . As a result , the students formed a Library Committee . Friedman acts as the club ’ s moderator .
“ The idea of a committee evolved from early conversations among a few students who were eager to create an organized approach to managing students seeking service hours ,” Friedman said . “ They were interested in the opportunity to become involved in creating a welcoming and engaging library that is a hub of information and heart of the school community ,” she continued .
“ The [ Fordham Prep ] community is loud and vibrant , so we wanted to show that openness with exhibits and art ,” said Brandon Genaro ’ 22 , a student on the committee .
By October , the Library Committee was hard at work curating items for the space that would reflect the energy brought to the campus by students , faculty , and staff each day . Student creations from art classes were put on display , posters detailing the stages of the life of St . Ignatius Loyola , the founder of the Jesuits , used during the faculty and staff retreat in September , were affixed to glass cases , and a white board is set up to display a new quote from a public figure each day . Other installations by the committee include an Edgar Allen Poe themed exhibit as well as a curation of items from iSTEAM courses and the Science Department .
“ Students have been developing leadership skills as they coordinate
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communication among themselves and teachers , develop thematic exhibits and events , and establish a sense of community for students seeking a place to work that reflects the shared values and culture of Fordham Prep ,” Friedman noted . |
Students on the committee recognize that McNamara Library plays a crucial role in providing a window to the past . “ I love that the library covers a history that we never lived through ,” said Daniel Lang ’ 23 . Thanks to the committee , the library can also play a part in showcasing tangible elements of the present .
When asked about the decision to join the Library Committee , Haider Qazi ’ 23 gave a simple answer . “ I wanted to be a part of something more ,” he said . “ The Library Committee is home .”
The committee ’ s ongoing work utilizes their talents to maintain a space that reflects the Fordham Prep community .
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ABOVE TOP : Items curated by the student committee for the McNamara Library ’ s Science Department exhibit include a stock certificate from the Vanadium Corporation of America , the cast of a shoe print , and a robot used in engineering classes .
ABOVE BOTTOM : The student committee in Fordham Prep ’ s McNamara Library at Rose Hill .
LEFT TOP : Visual art created by Fordham Prep students in one of the McNamara Library ’ s glass display cases .
LEFT BOTTOM : The Library Committee put together “ The Raven Exhibit ,” an Edgar Allen Poe themed display during the month of October .
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