Library Undergoes Overhaul For Young Learners

RIVERHEAD, NY — Students heading back to Pulaski Street Elementary School in the Riverhead Central School District this month were treated to the sight of a beautifully transformed library.

In an effort to meet the needs of 21st-century learners, school media specialist Amelia Creedon set out to "redesign the space in a way that would empower students to become consumers of information and products that activate innovation and creativity," a release from the district said.

The redesigned library is now split into three main sections, with the circulation desk at the hub. One section now features four comfortable movable benches thanks to the Long Island Science Center, computer stations, a self-checkout station and seating areas with tables, while the back of the library houses a 3D printer along with other gadgets for maker-space learning, the release said.

The entire space is designed for flexible use, with everything on wheels and a variety of seating options to facilitate smaller group work and enhanced social learning.

“The vision was to create a relevant learning space where students feel free to read, learn, design, create and engineer,” said Creedon. “Our custodians and technology team were instrumental in helping us achieve this. We are blessed to have such a great team.”

Improvements will continue to unfold at the library, including a reorganization of collections by genre and growing the maker-space area, the district said.

Photo courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District.