Skyview Library Transforamtion
Libraries are about connecting people with ideas.
This quote from Prakash Nair is a transformative statement in and of itself. It’s truly amazing to think of the changes that have taken place in libraries in just the last five years. Until the public 21C library had opened in Colorado Springs this last summer, I wasn’t aware that those changes were even occurring . . . until I volunteered the first day and saw a 112,883 foot facility complete with a full service café, copy center, 3D printers, recording studio, a business center with interactive TV monitors—the list goes on and is quite impressive! Indeed, this is the perfect place to see how the digital age has transformed the environment we connect with ideas in.
21st Century Library in Colorado Springs, CO
Skyview Library is beautiful, bright and airy, but there are some things that we can change or add that will help pull this cozy library into the modern hub that so many libraries are becoming. I want to show you one of my favorite things about this library: the display cases. There are many wonderful large glass cases around the school that fill up with all kinds of interesting things during the year.
Skyview Library
Some more pictures from different angles, including the Fantasy Art Contest and teacher workroom that we recently reorganized.
Here's my "dream" floor plan:
My Wish List
So now I will begin to dream. Here are some of my favorite ideas that correspond to spaces in my floorplan.
Some cute furniture options:
There is just the right place in our library along the ceiling to paint this beautiful mural.
Action Plan
- Approximate Cost: $25,000
- Budget $0
Phase one of the transformation would be to raise funds. If all of the money were in place, I wouldn't waste any time. Over the summer I would hit the project hard and involve as many as the community I could gather, looking for resources close at hand. For example, our school has a lot of tradesman and it wouldn't be difficult to find builders, electricians and painters. Kids are handy with paintbrushes too! If funds were not readily available, then it would have to roll out in stages over a few years.
Also, although I had a lot of fun designing an "ultimate" plan, there are things I could do on a less dramatic level with smaller budgets. I could scour garage sales and pull together the Lego wall on a budget. Paint stores are always having sales. Many small changes can really make a difference. Even having students create wall art is a great way to brighten up a space. We demonstrated that with out Fantasy Art Contest and that didn't cost anything. So what would be the name for my fabulous new library? We are the Skyview Eagles, so I think I like . . .
The Eagle's Nest
Lisa Fish
Managing School Library Programs--SCHL 5160
March 13, 2016