For many, the library is seen as no more a bunch of books and a quiet place to crank out homework. Yet unbeknownst to many, the library is holding a treasure trove of tech, art supplies, and an unmatched amount of Berlin history, all ways to take the learning experience and elevate it outside of just the classroom.
“I send out emails to teachers when we have new staff or new items. Everything is on our website, but it’s probably underutilized,” Librarian Sarah Gumtow said.
Not only does the library have VR goggles, breakout boxes, and board games, but it also has a unique “Makerspace” where students can engage in STEAM learning with coding, gears, circuits, and more.
“My favorite items are Legos and tiles,” junior Alexis Holt said.
In addition to the physical resources that the library has, the library gives students and teachers a wide variety of paid subscriptions and online resources, one highlight being the movie service.
“There’s a movie streaming service, which is important because sometimes you cannot acquire what you need through a public library. I’m looking for a movie right now, actually, so I’ll have to look into that,” Spanish teacher Jairo Granados said.
The library isn’t just a place for resources, though; the space itself is big, bright, and for many, a much-needed switch from the boxy classrooms.
“The space doesn’t feel as confined. If you’re trying to do things that require table space, obviously, that’s a better setting. It’s just a different feel with the skylight and the long tables. It doesn’t feel as constraining,” Granados said.
The uniqueness of the library and its activities is something that many students appreciate, which is something Granados really tries to capitalize on.
“Going into the second semester, I’m always looking for ideas and looking for fresh things that would spark interest in the students. I’m looking for innovation, and to do something out of the classroom setting, out of the ordinary,” Granados said.
As for how the library is able to year-in-year-out get funding to have these materials, it starts on roadways all across Wisconsin.
“In Wisconsin, there is something called the Common School Fund, which was built into our state Constitution way back in the 1800s, and it supports the library. So every time somebody gets a traffic ticket or some kind of fine or fee, a portion of it goes to school libraries in Wisconsin,” Gumtow said.
A key part of this fund is its focus on boosting the curriculum. Where the money can go is very funneled, yet open, and this allows the school to purchase items that can boost the learning experience in very unique ways.
“The funding is super specific, what it can and can’t be used for, so it can’t be used to update the library furniture or that kind of thing, but it can be used for things like Makerspace books, or things to support the library curriculum or curriculum in the school,” Gumtow said.
Within the frame of “supporting the curriculum,” the items that can be purchased are all made by utilizing student and teacher feedback, things that Gumtow wishes will continue to be strong.
“I really rely on student and staff input for some things, especially because we’ve been really blessed in the sense that we have a lot of manipulatives, building supplies, and things for our Makerspace. Input from staff and students is really what will drive our future projects or purchases,” Gumtow said.
