Returning from fall break, the Bonita Vista High (BVH) school library started establishing new changes within the school as a result of BVH Librarian and Earth Science teacher Adrienne Marriott recently taking the new position as a librarian. She has brought multiple new ideas thus far, with adding free books, coloring activities, library mascot, and decorations for the library to have a cozier feeling within. In the past, Marriott always held a close connection with libraries and found them a part of her childhood.
“I was fortunate that I inherited a library that is in really nice shape. One thing in libraries is that books are not forever, not every book stays on the shelf forever. So, there’s definitely a process of weeding based on outdated content. I’ve been looking at our collection and pulling out some books and trying to think and prioritize areas where we need to develop,” Marriott said.
BVH students and staff members noticed the new materials that Marriott had incorporated into the school library, finding comfort and enjoyment within the refurbished space. The library is gaining a large amount of students’ attention, leading to more students utilizing the library as a hub of socialization and a place to study. BVH Library Technician Elena Marquez and Marriott have yet to add further developments to the library.
“Students seem to be happy with the changes and with Marriott as the librarian. She is wonderful to work with and has lots of great ideas for the library,” Marquez said.
Marquez and Marriott have worked together for a short period of time so far, however, the pair cooperate to create ideas for the library so that it can foster positive reactions from both students and staff members. Students like junior Daniel Patrick feel as if there has been an optimistic change in the library.
“People are more enthusiastic [because] the atmosphere is better. Obviously [some] people like change, some people don’t, but this change has been nothing but good. Marriott [and Marquez] changed a lot of things within the library,” Patrick said.
Furthermore, Marriott had given students the opportunity to take books home. Recently, there has been a cart filled with books near the front door with the sign reading “Free Books.” The cart provides a variety of genres of books to read for students who are interested.
“Not everyone has access to a library [within] walking distance, or has one accessible to them as easily. So, having a functional library at school, it’s a privilege to have, especially with resources that’s available to everybody,” Patrick said. “The idea of having [books without return policies] motivates them more to take their time to read them.”
Marquez and Marriott’s offerings for free books include a variety of genres and topics donated by BVH teachers and staff. Furthermore, Marriott and Marquez started creating displays based on monthly cultures to develop closer connections with students. The library also welcomes Marriott’s class pet, a bearded dragon, Cheeto.
“Students come into the library looking forward to seeing Cheeto, the library Mascot. I think he is a fun addition to the library and he makes for good conversations for the students,” Marquez said.
Marquez is met with delight with the significant number of students that come into the library, as a result of the new implications. Patrick mentions how including changes is a beneficial impact to BVH and provides a diversity of activities for students to participate in.
“People don’t like seeing the same mundane things, and ever since my freshman year, the library has remained the same. Ever since Marriott took the [open position as librarian], it is more positive and I see a lot more people today,” Patrick said.
Marquez and Marriott have enlightened the place with new plants that are being displayed nearby computers, as well as the decorations to celebrate the holidays and even a coloring component for students. Marriott hopes to see new additions added to the library to make it more of a place where everyone is welcomed.
“[We are] really focusing on the library being a place where there’s knowledge, information, creativity, and where it’s a place for anyone to explore knowledge or any of that kind of stuff,” Marriott said.
