BSM is lucky enough to have multiple places for students to go and get work done in either a quiet or collaborative space. The library is a prominent place for students to go when they need a quiet place to get work done. There are multiple collaborative spaces for students to go to, but for those who prefer quietness, the library is a vast benefit.
The library serves the primary purpose of having hundreds of books for students to choose from. Whether it is for a class or one’s enjoyment, BSM’s library has numerous options available. Along with all the books, the library is used for the testing center. The testing center is available during every period, so if students have a free hour and need to take a test that is always the best resource. “There is always an option to make up a test in a quiet environment which is super beneficial to me,” junior Nelle Teitscheid said.
This school year it is new for the testing center to be in the library, so space is limited. There still is always room to come in and check out books, take a test, study, or take a break. The library also offers puzzles, coloring sheets, and jigsaw puzzles if students need a break during the school day to get their minds off things. “We have games, we have chess, I just don’t know how many students know those things. So it’s just a way to kind of unwind and relax without being loud and disturbing testing […],” Librarian Laura Sylvester said.
One thing that is done in the library is the annual Poetry Party. During this time the library is closed to students and English classes are invited to bring their students down to engage in activities revolving around poetry. This allows students to engage with the space in a different way. There are also many displays in the library for students to engage in making it a more interactive space. All of these activities and displays allow the library to be more than just a quiet space, but also a place for students to connect and interact with each other. “I think that’s really what this space can be about, about community and different connections,” Sylvester said.
I would like to see it used more and I would love to see students come and check out more books. And we’re working on right through our homeroom and with English classes and things like that.”
— Laura Sylvester
In the current generation, there has been a decline in reading among teenagers. From this decline, it has led to libraries not being used because no students are checking out books. From social media, specifically TikTok, there is something called BookTok which has influenced more teenagers to get back into the habit of reading on their own, not just for English class. The library is more than just books and it can be used in many different ways that students are encouraged to take advantage of because it is there to benefit them. “I would like to see it used more and I would love to see students come and check out more books. And we’re working on right through our homeroom and with English classes and things like that,” Sylvester said.