Maker Space and Themed Events Bring Excitement to the Library
Students borrow books and plant seeds on Earth Day. Photo: Ms. Emily Cornell
By CINDI GUTIERREZ, ERICA WONG, EMILY LAW, and JIA YU WU
Yes, science and math matter. That's obvious as you walk through the hallways listening to students complain about their upcoming physics exams. But what about the arts? What about creativity? Well, it seems they’ve found a new home, nestled in a little corner of the Midwood Library.
Librarians Ms. Emily Cornell and Ms. Elizabeth Gold have recently established “The Library Maker Space,” an area towards the front of the library for kids to sit back, relax, and craft.
“Although it is important for students to know that the library is a place to find information and study, we also want students to know that it’s more than that,” said Ms. Gold. “The library is also an exciting place where students can participate in activities and special events.”
Kimberly Saco ‘22 works on a duct tape wallet at the Maker Space corner. Photo: Erica Wong
“The library should be a place where we don't only talk about books, but also about other things students can do to challenge their creativity,” said Ms. Diana Marques, a librarian. “It’s not all about studying, because that can start to feel mandatory. Here, you can read if you want, or you can just explore your creative ideas.”
The Maker Space has hit a mark with many students. Featured projects have included duct tape wallets and jewelry, origami butterflies, pop-up cards, and animal doodles.
“I love that they have so many activities for all types of students,” said Salma Innab ‘23. “Inclusivity is important in such a diverse school, and they cater to all holidays, even Star Wars Day [May 4]!”
The "Color Your Own Bookmark" activity has been very popular, Ms. Gold said. “One of our library monitors designed bookmarks for students to color,” she added. “They were a hit.”
Students are often taught by fellow students at the Maker Space corner. “I’ve known these skills for many years, and I’ve never stopped loving arts and crafts,” said senior Kimberly Saco, a “teacher” at the Maker Space. “It’s another excuse for me to share my interest.”
In addition to daily activities such as coloring, sketching, and board games, the Maker Space also offers events to celebrate different holidays, all of which is funded through the school.
The event that had the most participants so far was the Earth Day celebration April 29, Ms. Cornell said. At this event, students were able to go to the library from periods 2 through 10 to plant seeds and decorate pots. Approximately 125 students came.
Anika Ross ‘23 participated in the event. “My favorite was the planting activity,” she said. ”It allowed me to gain a new hobby in gardening and caring for plants, and it gave me an amazing opportunity to explore something I may have never considered.”
Many students also participated in the “Blind Picnic Date with a Book” event in mid-April. Students chose a wrapped book based on a short description and spent time with their book on a picnic. Once they were done, they rated their books by filling out a “Rate Your Date” bookmark.
April’s “Blind Picnic Date with a Book” Event invited students to try new books based on short blurbs. Photo: Ms. Elizabeth Gold
“All the blurbs were interesting; it was so difficult to choose,” said junior Kaylee Lam Kwai. “I wished I had time to read all of them!”
“I really liked it,” said freshman Candice Gao. “I not only got to connect with a new Midwood student, but I also read a book I would never have read before.”
If you’re an avid reader, you might also want to check out the library’s Book Club, which is held every Wednesday during 10th period. There, students are encouraged to explore new genres through Kahoot games and book scavenger hunts.
“They have a lot of fun,” said Ms. Cornell, “and I've noticed in their discussions they talked about how they would’ve written the ending if they were the author of the book. The club setting makes reading more enjoyable.”
Next to the Maker Space, there is also a designated chess table for anybody to play.
“We always had a couple of students who played chess while the others watched,” said Ms. Marques. “It made us think that if there was a table for chess, it would make it feel special. A generous family offered an old chess table at a discount, so I really didn’t spend much on it. Plus, it turns out that more than a couple of students like chess, and more people are playing chess because it is already laid out.”
“The chess table has made playing chess feel like an actual tournament,” said junior Elise Prophete. “It’s way more fun that way, and the table always makes it inviting.”
“I’m often playing chess in the library, and when we play, that gains other people’s attention and more people want to join,” said freshman Sophia Lin. “I get to learn different styles people play, and I really like how anybody can just come up to me without it being so awkward. I’ve met a bunch of new people because I play chess here.”
“Chess keeps me on the edge,” said freshman Daniel Huang, one of Lin’s competitors. “You want to win. My pride is on the line!”
The Maker Space has brought the Midwood community together by encouraging student expression and interaction.
“I have gotten to meet a few new friends through the activities,” said Gao, “and I realized we had really similar interests.”
The Maker Space stations have been a huge success amongst the Midwood community. From board games to arts and crafts projects, the stations have offered new activities to students throughout the school.
“People used to just sit in a group with their phones out,” said Jacky Wong ‘23. “It was honestly depressing. But I feel like the board games and other games the library provides are more interactive and give people a task to enjoy that allows them to socialize. People can take a breather from their work and have some fun.”
“People seem more interested in what the library has to offer now,” said junior Khadija Rehman. “I think it’s great that the events share a range of interests for a variety of students.”
“We're trying to add exciting things to the library program and just introduce students to new authors, new genres,” Ms. Gold added.
“We listen to the kids to have them create activities while they're learning and reading,” said Ms. Cornell. “It's about you guys, not about us.”
To stay up to date on future events, follow the library on Instagram at @midwoodhs.library.