Officially opened on November 6, the school’s new library comprises a repurposed classroom complete with hundreds of books carefully managed, maintained and filed according to the Dewey Decimal System.
The library includes read-aloud areas, a “book hospital” for repairing those items worn out by many borrowings, and a puzzle and games section. The only computer screen in sight is used to scan books in and out of the reclaimed space.
A media release from ConnectGV called it a “win-win”, with the 200-student Gowrie Street Primary School building on its partnership with the organisation, the region’s key disability services and support provider.
Through its adult day program, ConnectGV already had a team of participants helping to deliver Gowrie Street’s impressive lunch and food program, gaining valuable kitchen skills.
“Our first group working in the kitchen were such an amazing help that we reached out to ConnectGV again to see if they’d be interested in helping us reset our library,” lunch program co-ordinator Chelsea Smith said.
Participants Julie Oldfield and Michelle Rexhep, with disability support worker Jo-Ann Hall, jumped on board and had delivered an amazing space, the release said.
Spending every Friday at Gowrie Street, they spent the next three months sorting, organising and rebuilding the library into a learning resource for all students.
“It’s now very much their space, with Julie and Michelle learning the Dewey Decimal System, so the books are sorted into subject areas, and adding artwork to the walls,” Ms Hall said.
Acting assistant principal Jack McCormick said the new library was a place for students to enjoy fiction and picture books, but also delve into non-fiction to research the subjects they were studying in class or had a personal interest in.
The official opening paid tribute to the dedication of those involved in bringing the school’s vision to life.
