At New Hyde Park Memorial, the school library serves as a space in which students can work, read and play board games with their peers. This year, the library has undergone several new changes with the goal of making it more accessible for NHP students.
“I like spending time in the library during lunch because it gives me time to study in a peaceful and quiet environment,” sophomore Katie Krafchick said.
During the 2024-25 school year, money was allocated to finance new carpets in the libraries of all high schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District. At NHP, the carpet is now a true Gladiator blue shade, representing a sense of school spirit. In order to install the new carpet, all other furniture and decor had to be temporarily removed. The librarians, along with English and Library chairperson Dr. Otton, took the opportunity to reorganize and improve the library space for both students and teachers.
“We didn’t make any radical changes, but we shifted the library in a way where it, to me, at least, feels like a more open inviting space to serve the students. I hope more people come to the library!” Dr. Otton said.
There were multiple people who were necessary in bringing the librarians’ vision to life. The custodial staff were pivotal in changing the library’s appearance. Mr. Lein, one of the technology teachers, also helped measure the shelves and coordinate with the librarians. Many members of NEHS also assisted with reshelving the library.
The area near the librarians’ office will soon be turned into a space available for use by students, opening up the door for clubs and organizations to take advantage of the newly renovated environment.
“I’m looking forward to any interesting programs the library will have and I will probably try and spend more time in the library,” junior Allison Sanassi said.
The English Honor Society is planning to kickstart a program in which students can come into the library once a month during their free periods and participate in a writing workshop. Student work will be exhibited as a testament to displaying and encouraging creativity at NHP.
“As NEHS, we want to promote and encourage students to love writing and give them the opportunity to do so,” National English Honor Society President Deborah Aderibigbe said. “The writers workshop program in the library is a perfect example of this, and I believe that many students will learn more about English and themselves by being involved in it.”
The library continues to serve as an important pillar of the school by inspiring formation of community and providing a vital space for students to work. The time and effort by students and many members of the schools’ staff contributed to numerous improvements in the library.
