Library Media Specialists, Heather Peters and Hallie Jarvis, proudly showed off their newly renovated library, a project that has been long awaited by teachers and students alike at RHS.
The renovations began in May and were completed in August, and achieved completion even amidst the chaos of the tornadoes that tore through the Rogers area this past summer.
“[Before the updates, the library] looked the same for 22 years prior,” Peters said.
The library’s location adjacent to the RHS front office (the guest main entrance) was central to the motivation for the urgency of the renovations, and it was prioritized over other areas of the school.
Peters said that as the library is one of the first areas that one sees upon entering RHS, those planning the renovations strived for the polished, modern look to display RHS’ good taste and give visitors a positive first impression.
Changes to the library included layout alterations, as well as updated seating, tables and shelves. One of the most sought-after modifications was the movement of the circulation desk from the front and center of the library entrance to the right section of this area. This seemingly minor alteration was crucial to library activity.
“[Now] library media specialists can host more classes [and] more students,” said library media specialist Hallie Jarvis.
Arrangements in seating and tables as well as some comfy new beanbags created new areas of opportunity for students to explore the library.
Peters said that students seemingly feel welcome in this space because they often migrate throughout rather than confining themselves to one specific area.
The renovations have not only brought new energy to the students’ opportunities but the staff’s mindset throughout their day-to-day duties.
“The new library has kind of reenergized us,” said Jarvis.
The renovations and the new opportunities for learning that they hold have brought a revitalized aura to RHS and have made students and staff alike hopeful for future updates to the rest of the campus.
“You come into this [library] and it’s beautiful, it’s wonderful, and you’re like ‘oh, this is what RHS is’,’’ said Peters.
