The Lower School has undergone a makeover recently, and the students and staff have been abuzz at the results: the library—often referred to as the heart of the school—has undergone a stunning renovation. It now features wide open spaces, cheerful colors and cozy nooks for reading, and, of course, row after row (after row) of books—this time, on moveable bookshelves. For new Lower School Librarian Sarah O’Holla, the library matches her vision for an expansive space that retains its comforting, curiosity-sparking feel.
It was only just before Labor Day when busy construction workers were rushing about with measuring tape, peering close at windows and shelves, climbing ladders and stepping over boxes of books, conducting a renovation worthy of HGTV proportions. When I stopped in to see the progress, I was promptly put to work organizing books into alphabetical order.
The calm and inviting new space is the result of a renovation that has seen many plans and blueprints and meetings in order for it to come to life. On the first day of its opening, after classes had taken turns checking out books and exploring the space, the rows of neatly lined books were disheveled. Ms. O’Holla could not have been more delighted.
“There were books everywhere,” she says happily. “They needed to be straightened, and that felt so good. The library is being used. It’s being lived in.”
That the Lower School library was chosen for renovation does not mean it was in disrepair; on the contrary, it was a highly utilized and beloved space. Yet according to Dr. Danielle Mirliss, Director of Research and Academic Innovation, it became clear there was a need to reimagine it to be more inclusive of the many activities that could occur within it. Modern libraries are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for the wider community to utilize the space in a myriad of ways, and that aesthetic drove the renovation’s approach. Whereas previously, the fixed, tall bookcases made it challenging for librarians to see and engage with the younger students, the newly movable bookshelves are now lined in a way that allows for a sight line of all those curious readers. The Librarian office was moved to the far right corner from its main doors, so the entrance to the library now leads the students into a more open flow. And the collection itself has been reconsidered, with a carefully curated mix of classics, popular books, and stories that will encourage a love of reading and contemplation.
The new library feels like a breath of fresh air. There are a number of comfortable seats throughout the space, especially the popular window seat, with students vying for a chance to curl up with a book and compare notes with a friend. The movable, shorter stacks allow for connection and spark communication. There is also an interactive smartboard for instructional use, where students can engage with the touchscreen and enjoy STEM instruction.
The library, intentionally designed for connection and wonder, is critical to fostering a child’s passion for reading. Ultimately, the renovation reflects Pingry’s enduring embrace of excellence, joy in learning, and connection to community. It is a space of curiosity and growth for all.
For Ms. O’Holla, she “really wanted there to be a big story area somewhere,” and, after several storytimes with several classes, she is thrilled with the way the students have settled in. “The enthusiasm has been so sweet and encouraging. And it’s been great seeing what good readers the students are.”
The Lower School Library has been modernized, yet it remains, as always, the heart of the school, just with a modern vibe. “We’re definitely going for a welcoming vibe,” says Ms. O’Holla. “We really want this to feel like the Pingry’s community library. We are the librarians, but it is everyone's library.”
Contact: Sara Courtney, Communications Writer