Eastlake Learning commons
The Eastlake Library Building is undergoing a comprehensive renovation from summer 2024 to summer 2025. This transformative project aims to revitalize the space, making it a multifaceted hub for educational and inclusive activities. The building will house an integrated library and textbook collection, sports medicine facilities, and a specialized area for moderate to severe special education. The latter will feature essential amenities like sensory rooms, hygiene facilities, life skills spaces, and classrooms. Additionally, a new student bathroom will be constructed for added convenience. The renovation includes the creation of a flexible learning lab designed to promote collaboration and engagement, offering varied seating arrangements and easy access to resources and staff. A glassed-in student presentation area with multimedia capabilities will enhance interactive learning experiences. Bench seating and comfortable workspaces will replace the current circulation desk, fostering an environment conducive to both individual and group work. The renovation, emphasizing movable furniture and adaptable configurations, is set to transform the Eastlake Learning Commons into a dynamic, modernized educational facility catering to diverse student and staff needs.
Why Learning Commons?
The term "learning commons" embodies a contemporary approach to education, redefining traditional library spaces. It emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and inclusivity, reflecting a shift towards active and communal learning. The Eastlake Learning Commons encapsulates this concept by merging library services, student support, and educational programs into an integrated environment. It signifies a departure from a rigid, quiet library to an interactive, multifunctional hub where students can engage in various activities, fostering a sense of community and exploration. This term embodies the philosophy that learning is a shared endeavor, highlighting the importance of flexibility and innovation in today's educational landscapes.
HighLights
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there still be a textbook and device distribution this coming summer??
In short, yes, though it will most likely be at a different location that the library building. TBD.
Will library books be available for checkout once the building closes?
We are looking into a couple of options. Depending on storage availability at our temporary location (TBD), we may keep available a small portion of titles, ready to be checked out while the building is closed.
Another option under consideration is having a decentralized library where mini-libraries would be setup in teacher classrooms. Teachers would be able to select any amount of library books they would like to keep in the classroom and manage check in and check out of materials. Throughout the school year, these books can be refreshed between classes and as new titles arrive. Further, there will be increased purchasing of materials through SORA, our e-book and audiobook platform, to supplement student reading needs.
Will classroom novels normally checked out be available for classes?
Depending on the closing of the building, English teachers will coordinate with the library and textbook staff to make sure students are able get novels. However, that may occur long before the teacher requires the materials. For example, an 11th grade AP Literature student may read Hamlet in quarter four of the school year, however students will check out all of their novels needed at the beginning of the school year.
What if I change courses or add a course after the building closes?
Textbook and library staff will be relocated on campus (TBD) with a small portion of our total holdings. This will support students that arrive on campus as new students and for any students that switch classes, especially for our semester courses. If we run out of books, we will have some access to books in storage or can request titles from other libraries in the district.
I usually come to the library before school, during Nutrition or Lunch, after school, or during a no class...where can I go to study or print while the library building is closed?
Depending on where library staff will end up, we may have very limited space for students to work during non-instructional time.