Library Renovations to Promote Collaboration and Engagement
Posted on 10/20/2021
The St. Thomas Aquinas High School library will be soon entering a new era as a six-month floor-to-ceiling renovation draws to a close. In its more than 50 years as the academic hub of STA, the library has taken many forms that have reflected the latest in student needs and instructional developments. The current renovation is the most sweeping that the library has undergone, with the aim of transforming the space into a warm, inviting 21st century learning center that is less transactional and more relational.

The needs of students and teachers both during and beyond the school day have evolved dramatically since the library’s latest renovation just 10 years ago, which focused on creating a blended space with easy access to both physical and digital resources for students to use in either an individual or a group setting. The number of book loans has decreased dramatically over the years while the use of the library space has steadily increased. Today, students frequenting the library are more focused on learning activities and are interested in learning interaction with the possibility to share their knowledge and collaborate on assignments.

At the same time, St. Thomas Aquinas High School has undergone dramatic changes as it continues to evolve with the changing educational landscape. “It has been invigorating to witness so many positive changes to the academic foundations of STA,” said Principal Harry Ziegler. “Teachers have worked untiringly to incorporate the latest instructional methods and technologies as we continue to provide an exceptional education for all students.” For example, the 1-for-All Chromebook program in which all students receive a Chromebook at no additional fee; the Project-Based Learning initiative that puts collaborative and student-centered learning at the heart of the curriculum; and the STEM program that challenges student to join forces, come up with new ideas, and solve problems in original ways. The library renovation is meant to reflect and promote these fundamental changes to the educational environment at STA and how the library is being used in practice.

Beyond a traditional central location for physical and digital resources, the library will be the hub for increased student achievement, collaboration, and engagement. An infusion of color, open spaces, and comfortable seating will encourage energized and engaging interactions between students and teachers. Chairs, couches, and tables will be moveable to allow for students and teachers to maximize the potential of the library based on their instructional need. High-tech displays, projectors, and traditional whiteboards will encourage the sharing of ideas. And for those times when students need to work on their own, a quiet study area in the back of the library will provide an area to work on assignments, access digital resources, and print materials wirelessly. Adding to the warmth and color of the space will be a permanent student-designed mural as well as additional, dedicated wall space for displaying student-produced artwork.

“It's truly exciting to see the library transition from a quiet place for students to study individually to a vibrant hub for collaborative and digital learning,” said Library Sharon Taub, who has been instrumental in the many changes that the library has undergone over the past decade.

With the sweeping changes to the library’s atmosphere, amenities, and layout, STA hopes to create another academic hub like the STEM Learning Lab where students enjoy going, either during school as part of a class or after school with friends to engage and collaborate on assignments.