By: Rita L. During extra help on a Wednesday in late November I entered the newly reconstructed library that was not yet open to the whole school or the public. Upon entering, immediately the scent of newly done construction hit me. There were many prominent features about the new library that makes it very different from the old library. I noticed that there were couches and cushions added to make the library comfortable for students to relax. The tables are also now centrally located with brand new tables and chairs. I also noticed the bookshelves appeared are more organized than before. Overall, the environment invites students to relax during or after a hard day of learning or to find a spot to study or research. When I entered the library I saw Mrs. Bourla sitting at one of the tables working on her computer, she looked up when I entered and greeted me. I asked her if I could interview her and she gladly agreed. While setting up for the interview I noticed that many of the books still were not in place. I saw carts with loads of books that were waiting to be put on the shelves. When I was ready, I started to asked Mrs. Bourla about the new features of the library. She briefly explained some of the new aspects including the new floors and furniture. Basically everything was new and clean. Next, I asked her about the main differences between the two. She told me in the new library the books are more centrally located while in the old library finding books was not as efficient. In the new library additional rooms were added, including the computer room and the quiet room for readers. I continued to ask her the ways the new library was better than the old library. She said it was cleaner and more comfortable. In addition, she said it provided an opportunity for new activities to be introduced brought by our new librarian Mrs. Feit. I also asked her about the newly improved environment and how it would attract students. She said the environment will influence students in a positive way and the library provides a more pleasurable environment and a brighter better area for students. Next, I asked her if she likes the new library better than the old one. She told me that she definitely like the new over the old but there are still some elements of the old in the new. Mrs. Bourla said it was “the best of the old.” During the interview I asked her what it meant for the school to have a new library. Mrs. Bourla replied and said that it means an interest in academics and a commitment to reading and thinking. In addition, she also said reading is important to life and the soul. This means that having a library that we are proud of as a school shows that we value reading, studying and academics. Lastly, I asked if it symbolized anything to have a new library. After a time of thought she answered it represents “The Life of the Mind.” After our conversation, Mrs. Bourla allowed me to take a tour around and I started to observe the new features of the library that we spoke about. As Mrs. Bourla had said, the books were more organized and centrally located providing a more efficient system when looking for books. The shelves were polished and everything looked very nice and welcoming. On both sides of the library books were easy to access and the shelves were very neat. There was a computer room with some of the computers set up and ready to be used. When leaving the library, I noticed above the door were the words “Carle Place Library” in big silver letters. This gives students and teachers a very joyful feeling that the Carle Place library is improved and very welcoming and friendly to all.
2 Comments
|