Since San Luis Obispo High School’s closure due to COVID-19, the school’s library has relocated to the band room of former years. 

  This room was used as the girl’s locker room this past year, however the space has been completely transformed: shelves now line the walls in place of lockers and comfortable armchairs and tables have replaced the rows of chairs. Expressions interviewed librarian Ms. Sawyer to hear her take on the new space. 

Expressions: Could you tell me about the new library?

Ms. Sawyer: We got moved in over the last few weeks; since sadly we haven’t had students here, it did give us an opportunity to get unpacked and get books on shelves in preparation for hopefully being here in the fall. We actually feel like the space is going to work really well for us and for students and staff. It’s cozy, it’s definitely not as big as our old space but… we were able to get the majority of our collection out and available for students. We’re just being flexible and creative with our space and we feel like it came together really well. We’re excited to have students see it when we can all be back together.

Expressions: What are the aspects you like the most as compared to the old library?

Ms. Sawyer: I like that everything is in view. Before, from my office I couldn’t see the stacks very well–I like that the books are a little more on display and that you can see them more easily. I like that it’s a cozy atmosphere and I’ll be able to see and talk to students a little more easily. We’ve got some grass and picnic benches right outside. I hope that since we’re in the middle of campus, students will feel comfortable just walking in and seeing what’s going on in the new space.

Expressions: If school returns back to normal in the fall, will the library’s hours [from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.] remain the same?

Ms. Sawyer: Yes, they will remain the same.

Expressions:  During lunch, will students be able to eat in this library as they were in the previous library?

Ms. Sawyer: We’re not sure yet, seeing as how things are all up in the air and different. We’ll probably have to wait and figure that out and announce it in the fall. In any case, we love having students in here and we look forward to welcoming everybody back. 

  Ms. Sawyer’s positive words reinforce that while the library’s physical location has changed, its purpose endures as a safe, friendly space for students to spend time.