By Marley Brennan
Staff Writer
Costa’s school library is now open for students with an off period after being closed for over a year and undergoing several sets of restrictions. For now, the library aims to provide students with a place to work during their free period.
If a student has a free period, they can opt to work in the library if it is open during that time. In past years students could regularly use this space; however, this year access has been limited due to the pandemic. Inside the library there will be adult supervision in place of a librarian to monitor the students and enforce COVID-19 regulations.
“If you have an open period 2, 3 or 4, you can work in the library. There are employees supervising during those times.” Administrative Assistant to the Principal Krishna Berkes said. “Right now we don’t have a formal librarian, but I’m hopeful we will next year.”
Until now, those who are partaking in in-person learning have had to work outside during their free period. According to the students, working outside is not the best environment for focusing, as it is noisy and sometimes crowded. Now that the vaccines are being distributed and restrictions are gradually being lifted, students are no longer required to sit outside during their open period.
“As a break from the busy campus pace, the safe space of the Costa library provides a venue where students can research, study, collaborate, and accomplish their academic goals,” MBMS librarian Cory O’Meara said.
Students who have free periods will have the choice to either go into the library or stay outside to do their work. Within the library, students cannot sit in the book stacks, on the floor, or in the walkways, and capacity is limited to the amount of chairs available. If all chairs are filled up, one may visit the auditorium, cafeteria, or the mustang mall, where talking is also restricted.
“It’s so important for students with a free period to have a place like the library to work. The library has a ton of great resources, and I’m glad it’s open for students again.” senior Kelly Fraenkel said.
In addition to wearing masks, students can only enter the library if they have completed a RUVNA scan at the beginning of the school day. In line with COVID-19 restrictions, students must maintain 6 feet of space from others.
“The library was one of my go to spots when I knew I had work to get done and I needed a space where I could either keep to myself or get help when needed” said senior Nathan Howard.
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