Around 86% of California schools have a library. So, what’s the big deal? I mean, we all know we have libraries, and they’re publicly available.
But because they’re so available, I think we forget how important they are to our school communities. I want to serve as a reminder as to why we love our libraries and that we shouldn’t disregard their importance.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the library, admittedly. For me, the library was a place I could study my freshman year and hang out with my friends my senior year. Regardless of what I did there, it was a crux in my high school experience.
Freshman year, I would spend a lot of time in the library studying, catching up on homework, and most excitingly, reading books. I was a major bookworm, so I loved to read any fictitious or thriller novel I could get my hands on.
As a matter of fact, I had first begun talking to one of my best friends at the library my freshman year! I was a freshman studying in the library when this junior from my fifth period class started talking to me. She probably didn’t know it then but it meant the world to me. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship which I thank the library for.
I will say that our library isn’t your “typical library”. Most libraries have this state of utter silence – no laughing, no loud noises and absolutely no talking. It’s hard to imagine being in one of these libraries after having been in our Van Nuys High School library for the last four years.
The library is always buzzing with chatter, friendships and group discussions. I personally love the hustle and bustle of the library as it gives it a cafe-like atmosphere. I would argue that if the noise is ever too much, you can always stick in a pair of earplugs or headphones to drown it out if that’s what you prefer.
Fahrenheit 451 was a wonderful literary reminder of the necessity of reading books. Without books, society itself would crumble. Without the consumption of creativity and the breadth of knowledge that make up the bare material of books it’s hard to imagine the progression of society.
Additionally, although most of our school is covered in sad, beige walls inhibiting our learning, the library is the one major pop of color on our school campus – readily accessible to us all. The happy colours, murals and bookshelves brimming with books definitely contribute to the comforting atmosphere of the library.
I know most of you may only visit the library on a rainy day or due to extreme weather conditions. However, I’d encourage you to visit the library more often! Books can be tons of fun allowing you to open a faucet of creativity. But, the library can also just be a safe place where you can meet new people and take a mental break to unwind from the busyness of our school days.
The library is a place where we can foster a strong sense of community beyond the classroom. So, I hope I’ll see you there next time!
