The Pennridge High School library is not only a place for students to get books, the library offers a space for collaboration, enrichment, and socialization that can’t be found anywhere else. Students can come after school for a productive study environment or as a place to work on assignments with their peers. The Pennridge library has comfortable chairs to sit in and fun activities to do during RAMS time. On the side table by the librarian’s desk, there are a variety of puzzles that students are always working towards completing. The library also facilitates multiple clubs at Pennridge, including but not limited to debate, chess, and ethics. The library offers a strong internet connection, educational reading materials, and helpful librarians who will assist you with navigation, printing, and using numerous free research resources. For students who may not have a quiet space to work at home, it provides access to one.
The library often serves as a place for students to meet. Pennridge librarian Kim Mulloy says, “We have the book club, and we have the chess club, which students really enjoy.” These two clubs are there to give students an opportunity to spend time with other students who have similar interests, and the library is working to make them more student-driven. “If you are interested in chess or reading, you are welcome to stop in, and if you want to meet another day, this is a flexible schedule,” Mulloy says. She wants to see students take a more active role in clubs. “When the chess club meets, they really have a lot of fun,” Mulloy says. In addition to being a meeting space for clubs, the library gives classes a place to explore further resources. Mulloy said, “There are the traditional language arts classes that come for book selection, and the research classes will come with resources in mind, and I will help them out.” The librarians have access to a plethora of information and want to help students succeed. This is critical in a world where media literacy is becoming increasingly relevant. “It is important because we have witnessed over the past 10 years that people are not validating their information. [They are] believing things and sharing things they just read online,” Mulloy said. The skills that are being taught in the library aren’t only important for success in school, but in life overall. Bailey Good, a student who often utilizes the library for clubs and other resources, said, “I work on a lot of research in the library, and the resources provided have really helped me progress with my studies.” Students who are in the library are part of a community that fosters success and collaboration.
The library is opening up a new virtual nationwide book club started by a school in Texas called “High School Readers Across the Country.” On Feb. 11, at 1:30 p.m., there will be a meeting in the library for the new club. After students finish reading the assigned book, the author will be on a Zoom call. We encourage you to go explore the library and its resources!
Sources:
https://waylandlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/7-Reasons-Libraries-Are-Essential.pdf
https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/sas-positive-psychology-well-being-benefits-libraries-new-york
Investing in School Libraries and Librarians To Improve Literacy Outcomes
https://pennridgehs.pennridge.org/families/library
https://www.pennridge.org/families/library-resources
