A new casual seating area in the Truman Library (Photos by D. Roush)
BRONX, NY – A fresh new school year brings a fresh new look and layout to the Harry S Truman High School library. The first-floor room not only houses Truman’s book collection, but it’s also home to several casual reading areas, a computer lab and event space.
New tables and shelving in the Truman library.
“We had over 28,000 books in this space. A lot of them were very dated. Now, this collection definitely reflects the population in the school,” said Librarian Elizabeth Devora. Ms. Devora is only starting her second year at Truman. “This is a more up-to-date collection, but it’s still a work in progress.”
In addition to purging books that were no longer used, Ms. Devora worked with the Truman administration to purchase a more modern collection of reading materials that is much more suited to what teenagers today want to read. But the upgrade didn’t stop there. She also designed reading spaces with comfortable arm chairs, padded benches and new tables and chairs. All of the shelving units in the room were also replaced. She says she took her ideas to Principal Keri Alfano, who immediately was supportive and worked to secure the furniture and materials needed.
An additional casual seating and meeting space in the Truman library.
“She said right away, ‘yes,” Ms. Devora recalled. “Plan out what you want for the library – whatever you need – we will get it.” Devora says that in some schools, administrators do not always understand the importance of libraries. “I’m truly, truly grateful because the students come in and are just ‘oh my goodness, what is this?'”
Devora went on to say that the renovation was a team effort and included help from teachers and students themselves.
“It’s overwhelming,” she said. “Looking back, I thought this probably wouldn’t have been possible… It feels great. I’m excited for the school year. I can barely sleep at night because my mind is running.”
Devora says that she hopes to host more programs in the library and bring in additional authors as guest speakers throughout the year.
Updated computer lab in the Truman library.