A Contemporary Haven for Learning and Innovation

The swift pace of technological advancements has catapulted libraries into a new realm, and King School is keeping pace. In 2022, the Lower School Library was redesigned. Over the summer, the Upper and Middle School Library Learning Commons (LLC) were redesigned to integrate these spaces into the school’s academic and cultural fabric.

King strategically aligned the LLC with maker spaces in the Lower and Middle Schools and the Innovation Lab in the Upper School, recognizing the value of hands-on, practical learning. Such synergy ensures that students don’t just consume information but actively engage with it, apply it, and make new discoveries.

“Today’s students envision the library as a multifaceted hub of resources and activities,” Director of Technology Innovation and Integration Dr. Craig Tunks said. “Beyond the traditional stacks of books, they anticipate access to a wealth of digital databases containing scholarly articles, e-books, and multimedia content. They expect the library to provide myriad research opportunities and guidance in navigating and discerning quality information.”

King’s contemporary LLC meets this expectation, offering communal spaces for collaborative projects, group discussions, and creative endeavors. Beyond just a place of quiet study, it’s an arena for active learning, creation, and innovation, reflecting the holistic needs of learners.

The LLC architecture and layout have been designed to serve diverse needs across different age groups.

“The upper school space, for instance, is a versatile haven conducive to independent study and group collaborations,” Tunks said, pointing to features like dry-erase tables.

“Meanwhile, the middle school’s space has been designed with a pronounced emphasis on fostering a love for reading. Both spaces can accommodate entire classes, facilitating targeted instructional sessions or guidance on research methodologies and skills.”

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Upper School LLC’s architectural design and spatial layout have evolved to create spaces that accommodate group discussions, project brainstorming sessions, and individual contemplation. Soft seating, technology hubs, a math help center, and breakout areas are strategically placed to offer choice and flexibility, making it a place for study and genuine intellectual exploration and exchange.

In addition to the modernization, the LLC has a traditional feel and features an extensive range of fiction that challenges students to delve into various perspectives that foster critical thinking.

The nonfiction collection has undergone a contemporary transformation. Instead of rows of bookshelves, the LLC harnesses technology to offer a comprehensive selection of nonfiction materials through digital databases. This ensures easy, equitable, and widespread access for the King School community and exemplifies the LLC’s dedication to the seamless integration of technology and learning.

Kim Klein and Leigh Roberts, King’s Teacher Librarians, play a pivotal role in securing the continued relevance and vitality of the LLC. By maintaining open communication channels with various academic departments, they make sure that the LLC’s resources, services, and instructional opportunities evolve in tandem with the shifting academic landscape. This dynamic approach allows the library to remain responsive and proactive in meeting the school’s strategic goals.

“The King School’s Library Learning Commons is not just a space, it’s a statement—a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to research, inquiry, and holistic learning,” Tunks said. “By forging partnerships with classroom teachers, continually evolving in response to feedback, and emphasizing hands-on, practical learning experiences, the LLC is set to play a pivotal role in King School’s journey toward academic excellence.”