sure how it was all going to come together this summer
with the unpacking, where all the different selections
would fit, but it flows beautifully.” She goes on to say,
“The main entrance is breathtakingly gorgeous. It’s like
you walk into the shallow end, and you’re immediately
drawn toward the deep end. It pulls you in. These tall,
amazing windows offer the best view of campus. You
want to dive into this library. You want to dive into a
good book.”
Ms. Nawor concurs, “The kids are hugely excited
to be here. Between the two libraries, we’ve got
an interesting assortment of seats. Chairs to keep
Goldilocks (and the kids) busy for days – tipsy chairs,
rolling chairs, little chairs, big chairs – even the
librarian’s chair looks reminiscent of somewhere Mama
Bear would sit a spell and read. The kids agree that
the little library space is ‘just right.’” Young ones feel
more comfortable now with risers, rather than having
to negotiate going down stairs for story time, as before.
There are fewer stumbles. The new, eye-level shelving
for little ones to pull their own books is another
favorite.
Susan O’Brien, TLS CFO who was thoroughly
involved with the planning stages of the Academic
Center, emphasizes, “The library classes are an
important part of the curriculum. Their development
was central to the architectural plan for collaborative
spaces.” Those 45-minute classes are popular, with
Mrs. Hancock teaching fourth grade and middle
school Learning Center students. Ms. Nawor, who
teaches fifth grade, explains, “We’re here for students
from Acorns through Middle School. The library is
often called, ‘the heart of the school,’ and for good
reason. My goal is to teach my students in library class
6
– and all my students – skills, 21st century tools to let
them know what a tremendous resource the library
is, connecting them to a wealth of information they
can’t find anywhere else, either online or in print.” In
their classes, students learn a variety of things “library”:
traditional literary appreciation, digital citizenship,
media competence, evaluation skills for online sources,
and how to spot questionable sources. Junior Library
Guild is a well-received new addition this year, too,
with subscription streams to eBooks and audio books
that change every six weeks.
Then there’s the loft!
Immediately welcoming in its own right, the loft is the
multi-faceted overhang with the bird’s eye view of those
bright green trees, some extending to the ceiling of the
second floor. Sixth grader Kingston especially loves
the view from the loft. The room version of a Swiss
Army knife, the library loft has multiple uses every day:
a warm place to have conversation with prospective
parents; admission office’s new parent welcome coffees;
preschool information sessions; Lower School’s Latte in
the Loft; middle school meetings; Parent Association
gatherings; a spot to collect thoughts during break, for
student and teacher; a quiet study retreat; a change-of-
scenery for class. With room for one or a dozen folks,
the loft works in tandem with the library, as either space
can have much activity and not interfere with the other.
Reference and professional development material are
organized and available along one wall. With video
capability and refreshments nearby, one student noted,
“You could practically live up here.” That student isn’t
the only person who wants to call TLS’s new library
home.