Creating Balance in the Library

 

Librarians have an important role in democracy. Amid new waves of censorship of books throughout the country, advocating for access and intellectual rights of students is more important than ever. Adrienne Almeida, Director of Middle School & Upper School Library Services and Lower School Librarian, Paula Zamora Gonzalez, have been working alongside student volunteers to reorganize the Library to represent a balance of powerful voices carefully curated for readers. 

With nearly 10,000 titles, the Library is now organized to better serve their patrons’ needs and reflect the School’s Quaker values. The growing Adult and Young Adult collection is now in the center of the Library, a popular gathering place for Upper School students. “Now US students are surrounded by books for them,” comments Adrienne. “Previously the collection was behind a closed door, which felt restrictive. At a time when books are being challenged and banned, it’s essential that the entire Library collection is accessible and reflects our values.”

The collection for Grades 2-6 was moved to the north side of the Library, while the Elizabeth Claster Collection of picture books for early readers in K-12 remains in its dedicated space.

Last year, Adrienne and Paula assessed circulation numbers to understand what students were checking out. Books that no longer met students’ needs were given a new life at the Little Free Library in Stuyvesant Square Park. Adrienne adds, “We need to make the most of limited space but also recognize there are certain books that should be part of any Quaker library like Behind the Scenes of the Civil Rights Movement about Bayard Rustin.” Worn-out copies of popular books were replaced with fresh ones.

Over three days in June, a team of student volunteers moved books, worked on displays, and created fun, original signage. Adrienne explains, “For the first time there is space on our shelves to display popular titles and showcase others that can be overlooked. Students [choose] which books to display, a responsibility they take very seriously and make thoughtful decisions. Student involvement throughout this process is right and gives us confidence that we are meeting their needs.”