From Shhh to Woohoo: Reinventing the Marist Arc as the Heart of the School

Once a quiet place reserved for hushed study halls and solitary reading, our Marist library has undergone a radical transformation with Project Refresh and it was exactly what our students needed. Our administration greenlit an overhaul of the space and this grant provided the funding to create a brand new collection of games and maker activity materials. Our reinvented library embraces learning by doing, community building, and the joy of social interaction. 

At the core of this transformation is the idea that libraries are more than just book repositories, they are community hubs. In this reinvented space, you will find an entire games collection filled with board games, classic games, card games and loads of tricky puzzles. Kids can use them anytime during the school day and teachers use them in the classroom embedded into curriculum units. 

Whether it’s a rousing game of chess, a cooperative board game, a loud after school card game competition, or a coding-based escape challenge, these games help students think strategically, work together, and decompress from academic stress. In fact, game-based learning has been shown to increase engagement and improve cognitive function. Plus, it is just plain fun. 

Of course, our reinvented library does not neglect its traditional roles. Quiet areas remain available for independent study, testing accommodations, and tutoring. Cozy nooks with comfy seating and shelves full of books still welcome readers seeking a little escape. The beauty of the new library model is that it does not eliminate any purpose, it expands them all. 

Perhaps most importantly, this space fosters connection. In an age where our students often feel isolated or overwhelmed, the library becomes a place to belong. By blending educational activities with opportunities for socializing, collaboration, and creativity, the library helps students build relationships across grade levels, interests, and backgrounds. It’s a place where our kids tutor each other, study, read, play games, laugh, chat and hang out. 

So how can other schools replicate this model? Start small. Begin with flexible seating and add games such as UNO, chess, and Battleship. Ask your students what games they like to play and be sure to have those on hand. Partner with local public libraries, gaming stores, or parent groups for donations or grants. Your local public library might have a games collection you can borrow or a gaming event they are willing to host at your school. 

Welcome to our new school library: it's louder, livelier, and full of possibility. 

This week’s blog post was written by Kristen Rademacher, Librarian, Marist High School.  

This project was made possible by the My Library Is... Grant.