Two Pasadena Unified School District middle school libraries are now sophisticated media centers, thanks to major makeovers revealed last week at Octavia E. Butler Magnet and at Eliot Arts Magnet schools. Students got their first glimpse of the renovations, explored new technology, checked out virtual reality headsets and sampled comfortable new seating throughout the redesigned spaces. “Today, this school library is a place for students to gather, to play games and create, to relax in a safe and welcoming environment, to find books with characters that resemble their own life experiences written by authors who look like them, all to inspire their curiosity and creativity outside of any academic pressures or requirements,” said OEB Librarian Natalie Daily. Student Yasmine Gaida said the updated library at Eliot (originally built in 1931) is “a center for hands-on learning, acting, visual arts, digital arts, and more.
With the newly upgraded environment, it will definitely promote the space for students’ studies, especially the arts.” The libraries serve as the information hub at the schools, where students can read and check out books and use computers. Faculty, staff and parents/caregivers will also benefit from the updated libraries because meetings are often held there. The library makeovers were powered by the College Football Playoff Foundation with support from the Tournament of Roses and the Pasadena Educational Foundation. The installations and transformations were completed by CFP Foundation partner, School Specialty Inc. “We are delighted to partner with the CFP Foundation to update the libraries at two of PUSD middle schools,” said Superintendent Brian McDonald. “The updated media centers will elevate the learning experience for students for years to come.”
First published in the June 1 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
