Written by: Susan L. Moberg - DHS School Librarian
Some people still believe in the old stereotype that a library is a quiet space, filled with dusty books and crabby librarians who like to “shush.” However, a twenty-first century library blows that away. Overcrowding at the high school and the global pandemic have caused us to make some adaptations this year. Still, we’re happy to be a multi-purpose space and the heart of DHS!
Let’s walk through a typical day in the DHS Library. When the building opens to students at 7:40 a.m., the library is open and waiting. Students come in and out of the library to finish homework, return and check out books, or use the printer. You might think that things slow down once class starts, but you’d be wrong! Because of space constraints at the high school, two special education instructors moved into our storage room as their office space, and we have created a classroom space for their use. Throughout the day, teachers and paras work one-to-one or in small groups with students to catch up on missed assignments, study for or take tests, or get a little extra assistance. Across the room, the ELL instructor has an office and a table set aside for her use with students.
When lunchtime rolls around, the library is still a student gathering space, but this year students must wear masks and spread out. Last year, lunch in the library was a rolling chess tournament, with students lined up behind boards to be the next to play; we look forward to being able to put out puzzles and games again. The activity continues all afternoon, and things don’t slow down—or get quiet—until the school day is over.
Because we are one of the largest non-classroom gathering spaces in the building, we are often the site of testing events, like the ASVAB or ACT. Teachers use the space for meetings or professional development. Every sports team cycles through the library to do online concussion training in our computer lab. Outside groups use our library computers for registration for summer sports programs. Recently, we hosted several sessions of mock interviews arranged by the Special Services department to prepare their students to be successful in their job searches. Each day brings something new to the library!
I love being the librarian at DHS. I love creating a diverse collection so students can find themselves reflected somewhere in our many pages. I love creating a welcoming environment where students are able to gather to get help or socialize or just have a safe space. I love being a resource for faculty and opening the library space for whatever use a teacher or class or department needs.
Ms. Angela Main, the library paraprofessional, and I spend our days helping students edit papers, research projects, create visual displays, take tests, print documents, and find books that they want to read—services far beyond the days of “shush.” The library is not always quiet, but it is always a great place to be.