The long-awaited reopening of Skyline’s school library has finally arrived, marking a new chapter in Skyline’s academic journey. As of Monday, September 23, students can now access this vital resource for their studies and personal enrichment. 

While the library is still a work in progress, it’s open for all students to use as needed. The head librarian, Heidi Williams, acknowledges that there have been some challenges in the process, primarily related to furniture and the sheer amount of work required to get the space ready. 

Although the library didn’t receive all the new technology initially hoped for, there are plans in the works to enhance its offerings. The library staff is working with the district to install network ports, which will allow for the creation of a dedicated printing station. This will make it easier for students to print their work without the hassle of setting up laptops each time. Additionally, a search station, a place where students can look up books and other media as needed, is in the plans. 

One notable improvement is the addition of electrical outlets, a feature not available in the previous school building. This upgrade will undoubtedly make the space more functional for students using Chromebooks and other devices. 

While waiting for new technology, students still have access to valuable online resources. Williams reminds everyone about the UEN (Utah Education Network) and Utah’s Online Library, which have always been available to students. Posters with access information for these resources have been distributed to teachers, so be sure to look for them in the classroom. 

The library is already buzzing with activity. The Book Club, which boasts an impressive membership of about 100 students, held its first meeting in the new space on Wednesday, September 25. While it was a bit crowded, it’s a positive sign of the library’s importance to Skyline’s community. Williams said, “ It was wall to wall bodies, which is okay, we made it work.” 

Looking ahead, Williams shared exciting plans for the library’s side rooms. These areas will be transformed into Maker Spaces, providing students with hands-on learning activities. The library will also continue to offer games and puzzles, maintaining its role as a multifaceted learning environment. 

For those wondering about rules, Williams has confirmed that the main policies have remained unchanged. The no-food policy, especially on the carpeted areas, are still in effect, and the rules for checking out Chromebooks are still in place. 

Williams goes more into detail about the Chromebook check out policies, saying, “We ask that students bring their own Chromebook, school issued Chromebooks, to school everyday. Kids who don’t have to bring their phone to us. So, if it’s in a teacher locker, they have to get it out. We ask that they come during the beginning of first period, so that we are not checking them out all day long. […]Just like we did at the old building, they bring [the phone] in, they lock it up, we’ll get them a Chromebook, so then they can go back to class, get their stuff done.” 

When asked about any differences to the Chromebook policy, Williams mentioned, “Last year you could bring it back after that period. This year we decided that no, you get to keep it the whole day. And the reason we did that is because, what we were finding, when we looked at our records, kids would go to first period and need [the chromebook], and they bring it back at the end of their first period. And then, at fourth period, they would need one again.” This change aims to streamline the process and reduce disruptions. 

Williams’s message to all students is simple: “Come in, come back. That’s the biggest thing, come back.” The library team is eager to see students utilizing this valuable resource and making it an integral part of Skyline students’ schooling experience in the new building. 

As Skyline’s library begins this new chapter, it’s clear that despite some challenges, it remains committed to supporting student learning and fostering a love for reading and discovery. So, whether theres a need for a quiet place to study, access to resources, or just want to explore, remember that the Skyline library is now open and ready to welcome all students.