(above) Mrs. Lindsay La Neve, library media specialist, Mrs. Alison Tugya, principal and Dr. Matthew Mingle, superintendent take a quick picture just before the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Central School Library.
Grand Re-Opening of the Central School Library
Submitted by Shannon Regan
Central School held a grand re-opening of the new and improved school library with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the celebration of World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday, February 5.
Principal Alison Tugya began the ceremony by thanking Dr. Matthew Mingle, superintendent of schools, Mrs. Patricia Leonhardt, business administrator, Ms. Stacey Modugno, curriculum supervisor, Mr. Michael Pate, supervisor of buildings and grounds and Mrs. Lindsay La Neve, library media specialist for their hard work, dedication, support and efforts in designing and creating such an amazing learning space for the students of Central School.
The Warren Township Board of Education provided funding for updates to each elementary school library in the 2019-2020 budget.
As the ceremonial ribbon was cut the students eagerly walked into their new vibrant library. The students’ eyes widened and their smiles grew with excitement as they looked around their new learning space. The library had been closed for two months while volunteers from the Parent-Teacher Organization boxed up and re-shelved books, as well as the buildings and grounds staff, completing most of the physical labor that was involved.
In addition to the freshly painted walls, the students knelt down to touch the colorful new carpet and walked around the moveable bookshelves on which they can now easily see all of the books that are available to them. An area that once took up a large portion of the library as a circulation desk is now a special reading corner with a comfortable, curved couch perfect for sharing with classmates.
The library now has movable and flexible furniture which allows the space to be more accommodating to larger groups as well as promoting collaboration while also designating areas for quiet or independent work and reading.
Tugya is delighted with the outcome of the library. “We’re beyond thrilled about how well the space turned out. Our focus during the redesign was not only to make the library fun and inviting but also to create zones for learning and flexibility so that the space can continue to adapt to changing needs and purposes in the future. There are areas for instruction, as well as areas for students to read quietly and comfortably, collaborate with peers, create, and of course to explore books! Most of the furniture, including the stacks, are mobile so that the area can transform depending on the need. It took a village to get this project completed, and I am so grateful. The possibilities for this new space are limitless.”
As happy as Lindsay La Neve, library media specialist, is about the new space she is just as excited about the students’ reactions. “The library redesign has exceeded all of my expectations, and the students are loving the new space.”
On Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m. the Warren Township Board of education meeting will be held in the Central School library.
Photos by Warren Township Schools
