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<\/a><\/p>\n#FlipMyLibrary was now more than just replacing furniture.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe then asked all librarians to tell us about what they would do to create their dream library,\u201d said VBCPS staff architect Don Bahlman, who is managing the project.<\/p>\n
To narrow the field down to the 16 projects that the $2.1 million capital improvement project (CIP) could fund, schools were invited to submit proposals.<\/p>\n
And proposals rapidly rolled in.<\/p>\n
Some schools submitted videos, others submitted floor plans, and a few sent visual aids.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were super excited,\u201d said Laura Faulkner, library media specialist at Corporate Landing Elementary \u2013 another one of the 16 schools eventually selected. \u201cWe also surveyed students asking them what type of seating they would like and if there\u2019s different materials or spaces that they would like to see.\u201d<\/p>\n
What were the wish list items that floated to the top?<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were similarities but each one was different,\u201d according to Bahlman. \u201cEverything is tailored to the needs of that school, but they had a lot of similar requests: more floor space, more tables, and everything on wheels so the students could move around and collaborate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust having the availability to reconfigure the library so it will work for students as well as staff was important,\u201d according to Faulkner.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want students to be able to move around and have flexible groups, especially in our library. It was very small down there,\u201d she said, recalling the fixed bookcases that were affixed in a perpendicular fashion to the walls.<\/p>\n
Not only that, but large immovable bookcases were attached to the floor in the middle of the library.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally, the only space available was in the center,\u201d according to Corporate Landing Elementary School Principal Kelly Coon. \u201cThe space was so rigid and fixed. The instructional space was so limited.\u201d<\/p>\n Alanton\u2019s library media specialist Heather Thomas agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had those tall big bookshelves that were taller than the kids and where kids couldn\u2019t reach,\u201d she said. \u201cWe had to have tons of stools and the younger students still couldn\u2019t reach. Our circulation desk was also way too big for our needs and the Makerspace was kind of hodgepodge at four different places in the library.\u201d<\/p>\n The #FlipMyLibrary project will change that for the nine elementary schools, four middle and three high schools selected to undergo the makeover:<\/p>\n \u201cJust everything on wheels was the common thread that went through all the libraries,\u201d Bahlman shared. \u201cThey wanted things to move around easily, stack or be moveable. They also wanted fun shapes, upholstered furniture, various places to study, charging stations and even ergonomic chairs that allow students to move while sitting.\u201d<\/p>\n For Thomas, the flexible spaces and moveable furniture will better suit the school\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a working library. Kids are in and out checking out books. Kids come in to work on research projects, but it\u2019s also a place for small group collaboration and a space where I teach whole group lessons,\u201d according to Thomas. \u201cIt will now fit what we need for our kids.\u201d<\/p>\n Alanton\u2019s library will also have a reading lounge where students will be able to comfortably sit on couches or chairs to enjoy a good book.<\/p>\n The school also chose to take out all desktop computers and instead replace them with kiosks where students will be able to search for books. For their work, students will be able to use the devices and other new technology that the school purchased specifically for the library, including 25 virtual reality goggles.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents can basically now tour the world right here in the library,\u201d Thomas said describing the goggles and other technology that were purchased with book fair money that she had been banking over the last two years in order for the school to make improvements to the library.<\/p>\n But now, thanks to the #FlipMyLibrary projects, Thomas instead was able to purchase materials for the library.<\/p>\n As the first groups of libraries undergo their makeover, students are following the progress.<\/p>\n At Corporate Landing Elementary School, students walking by can be seen peeking in through the glass windows. The school even taped up the new floorplan for students to follow the changes.<\/p>\n Over at Alanton, Garren said School Plant workers have welcomed bringing students in and even seek their opinions.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to say that the VBCPS team that has been in there doing the renovation has been absolutely amazing,\u201d Garren shares. \u201cNot only are they really good at what they are doing, they are kind and courteous and they like to involve children in decision making.\u201d According to Garren, seeking staff and student input started in the beginning with paint colors.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve been giving us suggestions, asking us what we think \u2013 even allowing us to bring in the students to ask their opinion on paint colors since students were peeking in through the window and door.\u201d<\/p>\n Students even had a say into how the carpet squares would be laid.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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