Many students do not visit the library on a daily basis. They cannot make any spare time because of the overwhelming amount of assignments and tests. However, the library can be a beneficial place for students in a variety of ways. Going to the library allows students to use different resources and have an efficient environment for studying. Not only does the library provide a quiet place to study, but it also has many events and classes for students to utilize.
During the weekend, I wanted to visit the Central Library, in Downtown LA, to spend time with my family before the new semester began. The Central Library was designed by New York architect Bertram Goodhue and is known as a major architectural landmark. I had never been to the Central Library, and was surprised at how large it was. There were many floors and classes in session; it was not like other libraries I had been to before. The library’s floor plan was created by City Librarian Everett Perry and was made to be centered on a core space housing circulation so that each floor was unique. There were numerous programs in session, like volunteering and tours.
The Central Library is available for use every day of the week, along with many assets that students can take advantage of. There are many floors, every one of them containing different genres of books. For instance, the second floor has children’s literature, art, and music. When I visited the library last Saturday, I saw a ukulele class in session. However, there are a variety of classes that students can take to improve a skill or hobby. On Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, there is a STAR Volunteer Reader session. This volunteering consists of reading for babies and toddlers. It is a great way for students to receive their volunteer hours while interacting with young adolescents. Furthermore, there is also a bilingual story time and an Italian conversation class for those that can speak multiple languages. This can benefit students by encouraging them to improve in a specific language. In addition, a garden tour can help students de-stress while looking at environmental art projects that embody diverse plants.
Despite the tiring lifestyle of students, going to a library to study or participate in these classes are an efficient way to get work done and learn new things. At the Central Library, there are a plethora of resources and a quiet environment available to students. I highly recommend students to spend a day exploring the library and its helpful resources.
Rachel Lee, 10th grade
The Science Academy
