As students walk into the PHS Library, they are met with the smiling faces of staff members, the whirring of printers, and the presence of others focusing and relaxing. But this soon will change. Amidst major funding changes in PUSD, key aspects of the library will be changed in the 2024-25 school year.
One of the major changes that will be occurring next year is the retirement of teacher librarian Kathryn Levenson. Her position won’t be replaced, as the district is hoping to help balance the current budget. The absence of a full-time librarian means the library might not be open for as long during the day.
“Students having an open period and wanting to come in and study may not be an option,” Levenson said. “There also won’t be enough staff to oversee the teachers assistants that work [in the library] during the school day.”
Levenson said PMS librarians Jennifer Gulassa and Carolyn White will be in the PHS Library next year to help with staff coverage, but only for a combined two periods per week.
“People might have to plan ahead on when they want to print a paper, and our lunchtime tech guy may not be able to be here to help with Chromebooks, and that means people may have to make the trek down the hill to the PMS office,” Levenson said.
Levenson said the library might not be open before school as well.
“I always get worried about cold or rainy mornings, so I try to come in here early to make sure nobody is freezing, but I don’t know what time [staff members] will be coming in [next year],” Levenson said.
Open hours aren’t the only aspect that will be reduced in the library. Levenson said most of the library’s new books have been funded by outside organizations, and next year there won’t be a full-time librarian who can request the grant money.
Librarian and media technician Jacob Stahl will still be working in the library next year. Levenson said she is trying to train them in her responsibilities as quickly as she can.
Stahl said the wide range of books is what they love most about the library.
“We really try to have an incredibly diverse amount of books at all different interest levels and different perspectives,” Stahl said.
Levenson said the World Language Department wasn’t able to find anyone to fund the language magazines for Spanish and French classes which are currently being funded by the library. Additionally, the schoolwide New York Times subscription was in danger of lack of funding but was saved at the last minute by a donation from Dress Best for Less.
Sophomore Laurel Minor said the library is more than just a good place for resources.
“It’s also a good place for people to hang out at lunch and during free periods,” Minor said. “My favorite part of the library is where the beanbags and chairs are. Sitting back there, listening to music, and just chilling out is really fun.”
Stahl said it would be beneficial for the community to have the library open more.
“Having it open during the whole day allows for a place where people feel grounded,” Stahl said.
Junior Liam Leahy said the library provides space for students to not only take a break but also to focus.
“[The library] is a good place for students to come in and relax after stressing about school. It’s peaceful and uninterrupted so kids also can do their work when they need to,” Leahy said.
Levenson said the library staff wants to try to keep the library open as many periods as they can.
“[The library isn’t] just where [students] get English books or textbooks. [It’s there] when kids need a space for a project or a meeting or even when someone comes in and just needs to talk,” Levenson said. “I love everything about the library. It’s the center of the community and the heart of the school.”
