Nelson Heights Middle School is celebrating an increase in book circulation after updating their library.
The Northern Lights Public School (NLPS) board of trustees heard first-hand the success the school's library has seen since renovations turned it into a learning commons. One example the school provided was how book circulation jumped by 28 per cent.
During their board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 16, NLPS heard about the number of clubs and activities offered throughout the school year in the commons.
Nelson Heights principal Jason Whaley believes the increase in activity is due to everything being available in one space.
"The one thing that blew us away was the stat... The circulation of books went up by 28 per cent because they're there, and they're not there only for books, but, they're there for the programming... It's all sort of working together to get kids back into the library, working and talking together," he detailed.
School librarian Shaula Corr noted the amount of children spending their free time or lunch in the learning commons either reading or working on homework is great.
"What's neat is the 70 kids from all across the grades, they interact with each other. You don't notice the cliques, you don't notice the Grade 7s won't talk to the Grade 5s, or anything like that... Helpers come in, and they're shelving books and if kids need anything, they're right there... To have that community in there, I just love it," expressed Corr.
Whaley described the area as a "hub of activity" for their students.
"Some of what we've seen is changes in how students perceive relationships with each other, about respecting each other, about working together, and joining clubs," Whaley explained. "We're doing a U-turn back to the sense of community, because there's such a wide-variety... (of) programs being offered in the learning commons that are attracting kids from every single background."
Grade 8 student Josef Thiel described the renovations as "creating a more open and inviting" space for students, with a variety of comfortable options to sit and work on projects.
The mini amphitheatre was transformed into a Zen Den, which offers students a relaxing place to read or take a breather.
"It's a good place to pull out a cushion, and just sit back and read," expressed Nico Ivey, Grade 6 student.
NLPS board chair, Arlene Hrynyk was happy to hear the enthusiasm from the students and what had been done to the learning commons.
