After months of planning, construction and anticipation, the newly renovated library at North High is finally open for daily use. The older, traditional dated media center has been transformed into a modern academic center, complete with updated seating, collaborative classrooms and a fully equipped makerspace.
Now that students have had time to settle in, many are forming strong opinions about the new space. Senior Noya Zarnighian said she was impressed the first time she walked in.
“The seating and atmosphere are very good,” senior Noya Zarnighian said. “It feels more comfortable and welcoming than the old library. And the makerspace is actually really useful.”
The makerspace, one of the most talked-about additions, includes 3D printers, craft supplies and educational tools designed to encourage hands-on learning. Teachers have already begun using it for projects and small group activities, and several clubs have taken advantage of the resources. For many students, the biggest change is simply the size and layout of the new facility. The renovated library is larger and more open, with multiple sections designed for different purposes. There are quiet study rooms, collaborative tables and small classrooms that can be reserved throughout the day. Senior Daniil Isravich said those quiet rooms have become his favorite feature. He thinks that the variety of spaces makes the library feel more flexible than it used to be.
“It’s a much bigger space now, and I like that there are areas where you can actually focus,” senior Daniil Isravich said. “I use the quiet rooms most often. They make it easier to get work done during free periods. Before, everyone was kind of on top of each other. Now there are options depending on what you need.”
But, not every student is convinced the upgrades were necessary. Senior Sienna Yamins described the new library as impressive but questioned whether the renovation was worth the cost.
“It definitely feels like a college library,” senior Sienna Yamins said. “It’s nice that there are classrooms for use and all the technology, but sometimes I wonder if it was a waste of money.”
Yamins said she appreciates the modern look but believes the old library still served its purpose.
“I like it, but I’m not sure we needed something this fancy,” senior Sienna Yamins said.
School administrators, however, say the goal of the project was to create a space that better fits the needs of today’s students. With more classes using digital resources and collaborative learning becoming a larger part of the curriculum, the old library simply wasn’t keeping up. Throughout the day, the library is now busier than ever. Students fill tables to work on group projects, meet with librarians or simply relax during free periods. The new classrooms give space for study halls and small groups, while the makerspace stays open to all those who seek it.
Whether students see the renovation as an exciting upgrade or an expensive luxury, most agree on one thing: the library has become a central part of school life in a way it never was before.
“It just feels more like a place people actually want to be,” sophomore Jovana Nilaj said. “That’s a big change.”
As the year continues, the true impact of the new library will become even clearer. For now, it stands as one of the most visible signs of change at North High—and one of the most discussed.
