The Library Resource Center (LRC) has had multiple modifications recently, from new looks and organization strategies to new clubs forming
The first thing students will notice when they walk into the library is the new space theme. The walls are adorned with stars, planets, and other notable bodies of space. There is also information about space objects on some posters. Head librarian Sarah Ressler said that she wants the library decor to change every three years, so that there’s always something interesting for students to see. Another noticeable change in the library is how the books are displayed.
“We have worked hard on weeding old books from our collection that weren’t being checked out and moved to more face-out shelving,” Ressler said. “I think the shelves look amazing – patrons see more covers, not just book spines.”
This way, students and staff are able to clearly read the titles of the books without squinting at all of the spines to read the text. Plus, now students can see the covers and their art.
“Let’s face it–we all judge books by their covers,” Ressler said.
The actual reorganization of books has taken a long time, with just the fiction section taking around a week to complete.
“I scanned all of the books a second time, inventory being the first, to see if the book was being checked out, if the books had damage, or if the book was out of date,” library media specialist aide Katrina Strubler said.
Each year, the librarians must get rid of some of the books so the library stays up-to-date and doesn’t become overly crammed with books. The librarians will usually get rid of multiple copies of books if the demand for them lessens.
However, just because the library must get rid of some books doesn’t mean the library can’t get new books too. From graphic novels to more Young Adult (YA) books, the library gets new books each year to add to its selection.
“We keep up on new YA books coming out—I’m most excited for the newest mystery by Angeline Boulley, ‘Sisters in the Wind,’ which is the third in the ‘Firekeeper’s Daughter series,’” Ressler said.
This year, the library is also creating a new club for Hayes to participate in Just Write Ohio. This club is similar to Power of the Pen for Dempsey, where a team of students write creatively against students from other schools.
“We have 12 spots available for competition, but I welcome however many students that want to join,” Ressler said. “I will send out weekly writing prompts to students and then once a month during House on Monday, we will meet as a club in the library.”
The only major difference between Power of the Pen from Dempsey and Just Write Ohio here at Hayes is that the meetings here will only be once a month, while at Dempsey it is once every week. Otherwise, they are relatively the same with the creative writing prompts and competitions.
At Dempsey, Power of the Pen was a space where just about anyone could come and put their thoughts on a page.
“I really enjoyed the space where there wouldn’t be much talking and we would write,” sophomore Charlotte Little said. “It was such a good reliever because you could write about your struggles or good things.”
Just Write Ohio follows the same theme, allowing students to express themselves through their writing. The program has the students write off a prompt, but the students can still make the story their own.
So, students are encouraged to visit the library to check out some of these changes. The library staff is ready to welcome students into the space and help them find their next book to read.
