Purpose
The library serves as the central hub of the school, housing the primary collection of reading materials and accommodating most student activities. It is designed to effectively support structured instructional use, reading, research, and informal student engagement.
Activities
- Class visits for read-alouds, research lessons, full-class instruction (elementary)
- Independent browsing and book selection
- Quiet reading, small-group work, homework, and informal gathering
- Before-school, lunch, and after-school student use (especially secondary)
- Tutoring, counseling sessions, and occasional school events (high school)
- Meetings
Considerations
- Picture book area (as a separate area for elementary)
- Flexible, movable shelving
- Half-height free-standing shelving for supervision, can be taller against a wall
- Mobile shelving for reconfiguring spaces
- Display shelving (very important at elementary for reading motivation)
- Varied seating
- Tiered seating or risers for whole-class instruction
- Cushioned seating, reading nooks, rocking chairs (especially popular at middle school)
- Sturdy tables and chairs on casters
- Strong sight lines
- Staff must be able to see down aisles and across the room
- No secluded areas; mirrors to monitor blind spots at secondary
- Mirrors to eliminate blind spots behind shelving (needed at secondary)
- Natural light where possible
- Views of nature are both calming and can help students focus on work
- Acoustic treatments
- Sound-absorbing ceiling baffles, ideally decorative for elementary
- Technology access
- Power outlets on the floor for device charging
- Space for laptops or tablets during class activities
- Anticipated Student Capacity:
- Entire elementary classes (30–35 students) for activities
- Up to 70+ middle school students during peak times
- 75–100 high school students before school, lunch, or for after-school tutoring
Purpose
The library serves as the central hub of the school, housing the primary collection of reading materials and accommodating most student activities. It is designed to effectively support structured instructional use, reading, research, and informal student engagement.
Activities
- Class visits for read-alouds, research lessons, full-class instruction (elementary)
- Independent browsing and book selection
- Quiet reading, small-group work, homework, and informal gathering
- Before-school, lunch, and after-school student use (especially secondary)
- Tutoring, counseling sessions, and occasional school events (high school)
- Meetings
Considerations
- Picture book area (as a separate area for elementary)
- Flexible, movable shelving
- Half-height free-standing shelving for supervision, can be taller against a wall
- Mobile shelving for reconfiguring spaces
- Display shelving (very important at elementary for reading motivation)
- Varied seating
- Tiered seating or risers for whole-class instruction
- Cushioned seating, reading nooks, rocking chairs (especially popular at middle school)
- Sturdy tables and chairs on casters
- Strong sight lines
- Staff must be able to see down aisles and across the room
- No secluded areas; mirrors to monitor blind spots at secondary
- Mirrors to eliminate blind spots behind shelving (needed at secondary)
- Natural light where possible
- Views of nature are both calming and can help students focus on work
- Acoustic treatments
- Sound-absorbing ceiling baffles, ideally decorative for elementary
- Technology access
- Power outlets on the floor for device charging
- Space for laptops or tablets during class activities
- Anticipated Student Capacity:
- Entire elementary classes (30–35 students) for activities
- Up to 70+ middle school students during peak times
- 75–100 high school students before school, lunch, or for after-school tutoring
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