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FEB 21, 2020
Library Lovers CCPL renovation reflects libraries’ attempt to meet changing needs of students LEAH TAN STORY
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espite the common misconception that libraries are silent spaces for those who wish to solely read books, today’s libraries have transformed significantly to provide a wide array of services and resources for people of all ages. For students like Nicole Segaran, Teen Library Council (TLC) and senior, the Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) has been a vital part of her life, so the announcement of its renovation, which is currently underway, has had a significant impact on her. “Libraries have worked hard to cultivate an atmosphere that can be versatile,” Segaran said. “It can either be a quiet place for studying and academics or be a fun community hangout place.” The versatility Segaran mentioned is evident at the CCPL. In fact, according to a 2019 report released by the CCPL, the facility offered 1,869 academic and non-academic programs, ranging in target audience from children to senior citizens. But regardless of the wide range of demographics, Jamie Beckman, young adult department manager, said the primary focus of the library is to target student needs specifically.
The library has a lot more to offer than just books, we have audio books, movies, access to databases and other research tools. JAMIE BECKMAN, YOUNG ADULT DEPARTMENT MANAGER
In fact, the CCPL announced its renovation and expansion in 2019 to better serve Carmel’s growing needs by focusing on five key areas, one of which is the expansion of the teen space. Beckman said she attributes this to the lack of focus on the teenage demographic in the past, which has prompted an opposite reaction. “When I was a kid, libraries failed to have teen departments,” Beckman said. “However, now, we are able to gear towards teens and assist them in their schooling career.” A 2016 Pew Research Center survey found that while the percentages of people who use libraries for traditional activities like checking out books has dropped—from 73% in 2012 to 64% in 2016— other areas have expanded. For example, according to the Pew Research Center, 27% of library users have attended classes or lectures at libraries in 2016,an increase from the 17% who did so in 2015. Even at CHS, the media center has transformed to cater to the needs of its students through the offering of new programs or simply serving as a social space. For media specialist John Love, catering to students has always been the top priority. “We pride ourselves in wanting to be a center of activity and to have students be excited to come to the library, whether for curricular or non-curricular reasons,” Love said. “Sometimes, we can have over 200 students during SRT, so I think it’s important to realize that the media center is trying to adapt to the needs of its students.” Segaran said she especially encourages other students to utilize the library’s free academic services that are specifically geared toward students. “I found a lot of resources that the library is unique to have, all at
10 Read a story on the specifics of the new renovations and other changes coming to the Carmel Clay Public Library
a free expense,” Segaran said. “You have free SAT practice tests you can take, and a bunch of other non-traditional things like tutoring that are of extreme help to students.” Despite this shift toward other non-traditional services, both institutions emphasized they still try to maintain traditional services. “There’s still that curricular need for your traditional library, and I’m proud to say that we have a very healthy collection of these academic resources.” Love said.
website resources Take a look at some of the resources shown on the CCPL website Teens
Research
Digital Lab
ccpl2go
Attend
Attend
Teens • ACT/SAT Exam Prep • Scholarships • Scrabble Championship • Adult Winter Reading Challenge Research • Tax preparation and filing • Genealogy Lab • Shred Day
ccpl2go • mobile library with 2,800 items • visit ccpl2go.info or social media for stop schedule
The Digital Lab • five 27’’ iMac computers • WhisperRoom sound isolation booth • Equipment for podcasting • Software to edit graphics, video and music • Three 3D printers • Gallery space featuring art by local artists
GRAY MARTENS, SARAH ZHENG GRAPHIC
CCPL SOURCE
