Library media specialist Ashley Bennet said she always makes sure students feel welcomed in the library with activities. Her goal is to make sure students can not only check out books, but to make sure they are well entertained.
Bennet works to help students check out books and manage a relaxing study environment at all times with the tools she has from the school.
“When we make decisions for the library, we keep what’s going to interest the students, what’s going to engage the students, get them into the library, utilizing the space and also our resources,” Bennet said. “Students are really the driving force.”
Around the school library, students may find several different activities that Bennet has set up for them, ranging to things that may stimulate the mind or more mundane things where they can relax for a bit of time.
“Every Thursday, we have an Epsilon Beta library club, so that’s always available. In addition to that, if you’re not in the club or don’t have time Thursdays during WIN time, we have makerspaces available to students,” Bennett said. “We have board games. We have Legos. We have building supplies. We have all sorts of arts and crafts available for students.”
Epsilon Beta club president Morgan Duncun works to make better offerings for the library and to encourage students to visit.
“We plan fun activities,” Duncan said. “Today, we’re doing book charades. We do a book each month that we read that we talk about; we do similar activities. We do after-school events every now and then, like the Yule Ball.”
As someone who works with the librarians and some of the library activities, Duncan recommended visiting the library.
“I recommend coming to the library anytime that you need a book to read,” Duncan said. “The library also helps with other things like writing stuff, and it’s just a welcoming space to study.”
Some students, like senior Leland Samuel, rarely visit the library.
“I haven’t been in the library at all this year because I’m not in an ELA class,” Samuel said. “I don’t have to check out a book; I don’t like going there a lot just for that reason.”
Samuel said he was unaware of the options available in the library outside of checking out a book.
“Maybe they should advertise more books around the school,” Samuel said.
Samuel said the activities the library has to offer would be fun.
Later in the year, the library is hosting an end of the school year party. To attend the event, students must read at least three of the monthly books. Students can find more information in the library and the library module in the Canvas app. Any extra information needed can be sought out from the school’s librarians.
