Even if it’s just for aesthetic reasons, there will always likely be a spot for printed, bound, shelved literature somewhere in the school. However, that volume is being eclipsed by the amount of digital content students will consume. As schools upgrade to modern integrated learning spaces, existing large community spaces mustn’t be left behind. You can give your students, staff, and the community at large a place to plug in, download, and work while they relax in a comfortable environment that encourages self-directed outcomes. This is all possible when the space is wired for the digital needs of the modern library, so incorporate technical considerations such as network access and outlets to recharge devices.

Spaces like these also act as a point of pride for the school. Welcome students back to campus from a confusing and stressful time with a community space that inspires them to be their best. Done well, the modern library can be the heart of the school that Improves outcomes and creates a feeling of ownership. Having a point of pride in schools helps students learn because they want to be there. It allows them to influence their own learning outcomes by providing flexibility and adaptability- work with the award-winning professionals at STS EDUCATION to design a space that everyone in the community can take pride in and use for years to come.

This media center is a place to transition between the boundaries between home and school. You can think of this as a “third space”nested within the school- a place to work on a project for an hour before school or during study hall, a space to put on earphones and use your prep period to write a lesson plan, and a place to catch a quick moment of relaxation while you check email and catch up on your personal device. Then, during off-hours, it’s converted to whatever it needs to be – space for an art exhibit, a school dance, or a JV awards ceremony. With modern furniture and technology from STS, the possibilities are literally limitless.