 For the past three years the CBC library staff have been rethinking what 'library' is all about. After three visits to the latest Idea Stores in London, librarian Trevanna Cooper became convinced that library of the 21st century should be a place of exciting inspiration and empowerment, not just a provider of ideas but somewhere that could help make dreams happen: "If a student asks "Can we…?" , we'll certainly try to achieve their idea. In fact the request, "May I borrow you or Mr Thompson for a bit?", is as common as the boys asking to borrow ordinary library materials.
What do they borrow us for? For anything from helping them make brochures, posters, animations, clay models, holograms, to take them through recording their instruments or voices, filming advertisements or movie clips, giving our opinions, ideas, and suggestions, discussing the latest book, band or film release or showcasing their latest achievements by playing them on the big screen LCD.
This doesn't mean that we don't do all the other library stuff too like research, and reading. We do and our collection in addition to all the things you expect to find in school libraries includes podcasts and a great DVD collection. Reading for pleasure is definitely a 'cool' activity here. We shop for novels at the local bookshop and have all the latest. In fact the boys choose most of them by requesting what they've seen advertised.
This change of emphasis has gradually been implemented and in 2009, has been complemented by fabulous renovations that incorporate the very latest in colour and design. The students love their new working environment and the challenge to think beyond the norm. The quote above the entrance encapsulates our philosophy:
‘Some people look at things that are and ask “Why?”
“I dream of things that never were and ask “Why not?”.
George Bernard Shaw
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