‘The Vibe’ inviting to Ike High School students

This isn’t your parents’ library. And probably not your high school library either.

Eisenhower High School (EHS) recently unveiled its newly remodeled library, paid for with a $20,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Ike’s is the first of six secondary school libraries to be remodeled. The others are waiting for the last of their furniture to arrive.

The project has one goal in mind – to make the libraries more accessible and inviting to students.

“Libraries are the hub of the school and are great places for students to decompress,” said Danna Bross, Project AWARE coordinator for Lawton Public Schools (LPS). Project AWARE is the entity that applied for the grants, which are designed to promote creativity and a learning environment.

Some of the changes are practical, such as flexible seating arrangements, new tables and high-top tables, chairs with soft seating, chairs that rock and chairs that roll, and area rugs. Then there are the more non-traditional features such as a chess board, puzzle tables and craft areas.

“I think the idea of a traditional library is outdated – just a place to check out books,” said Ashley Romero, EHS librarian. “A library should be broken up into areas where they (students) can socialize, collaborate, create and build relationships. We have a ton of students who meet here over a game of Uno. How many times do they get an opportunity to play a game and meet new kids?”

Al Johnson and Ty Hairston, both 18 and seniors at EHS, were making friendship bracelets in the craft area last week.

“I love it,” Al Johnson said of the remodel. “It is a lot more comfortable. Our freshman year, we rarely came to the library unless we needed to. I just like how calm it is now. I just like the atmosphere and the crafts. Last year, we had to bring our own things in unless we wanted to read. The librarians are making an effort to get on the level of the students.”

EHS seniors Jessie Bush, 18, and Sarah Johnson, 17, also like the atmosphere that has been created. The two were studying at a new table with new flex chairs. The chairs have soft seats and gently rock, making sitting more comfortable, they said.

Sarah Johnson said she especially likes the chairs. The former ones, she said, were hard plastic and were cold when she wore shorts. The new ones allow you to recline without flipping over, she said. The new tables are nice too, she said, because they don’t wobble.

Sarah Johnson and Bush, Advance Placement students, said they usually come to the library to study for tests.

“We got permission from our teacher to come,” Sarah Johnson said. “It’s not as loud as in class. It’s peaceful. They have quiet music in the background.”

Bush concurred about the music and the furniture.

“I like the background music. The music is very chill,” Bush said. “The new tables and chairs are more comfortable.”

The students also like the new layout.

“It’s a nice, natural layout,” Sarah Johnson said.

“It doesn’t feel so cramped,” Bush said. “I attempted to use it before, but it wasn’t a nice place to be in. It didn’t feel as cozy.”

Romero said she rearranged the library, moving bookshelves to the edge of the library to create more of a commons area.

“We wanted it to feel like a place to come in and unwind. Their days are full of stress that they may never bring to our attention,” Romero said. “I wanted a place where they could feel comfortable.”

A large-screen TV with a picture of a crackling fireplace on it situated next to a seating area helps create that cozy feeling. One student was comfortably ensconced in a chair reading a book near the TV.

Other seating arrangements allow students to work more comfortably. Some chairs are equipped with a computer tray and cup holder, features that 17-year-old seniors Aidan LaBonte and Judah Weinstein appreciate.

“Before, I would often have my computer in my lap to do my homework. It’s a nice convenience,” LaBonte said.

“They’ve got the cupholders. They are very comfortable,” Weinstein said as he lounged in one of the chairs. “If I had like a really bad day and needed some place to go, I would come here. The whole space is great.”

“It’s a little bit clearer where everything is. It just feels a little more spacious,” LeBonte said of the new layout.

“It seems very calm and chill,” Weinstein said.

Romero is pleased that students are enjoying the remodel, which has earned the library a new nickname.

“Students call it The Vibe,” Romero said. “The Vibe feels inviting and welcoming.”