The GHS library is more than just a place to go check out books. Librarian Kari Bulgrin and Cari Whitehill, library assistant, have created a safe and welcoming environment for students to come and relax, read, chat with friends, play games or participate in one of the activities they have going on.
As finals week approaches, they have dedicated a few days for students to create images out of Perler beads. This gives students the chance to come down during their study halls or free class time and show off their creativity. Also, every couple of weeks during the semester, the library hosts activities that can be found on their calendar. The Perler beads – which are offered about twice a year – seem to be one of the most popular.
“It’s fun to get to know the kids in a different aspect,” Whitehill said. “Not just what kind of books they like to read.”
The crafts and fun aren’t just for students. Bulgrin recalls many of the memorable creations by staff members in the past. Since starting Teen Read Week in Oct. of 2015, Bulgrin has continued it each year and captured some of the best moments on the GHS library Instagram page.
“Mrs. Bulgrin comes up with all of the ideas,” Whitehill said. “She researches and uses library magazines and social media to find them.”
Bulgrin and Whitehill are aware of the stress high school students might have, especially during finals. Providing teens with a stress-free environment is one of the things they said they hoped to accomplish throughf these activities.
“It’s relaxing and fun, and it gives me something to do besides homework,” junior Carley Feldhacker said. “It’s a nice brain-break from my classes and it’s an easy way to take a break instead of worrying about finals.”
The librarians try to host these fun little events a few times a quarter because of the different kinds of learning students can gain from it. They acknowledge that it’s a way to converse with peers away from the classroom setting.