The libraries at three elementary and one junior high school in Naperville School District 203 will be renovated for new uses this summer.
For the past several years, District 203 has transformed outdated school libraries across the district into 21st century learning commons, where furniture can be adjusted so students can work either individually or in small groups.
While the students still have the ability to check out books, the stacks of encyclopedias and periodicals are replaced by desks and tables with plugs to accommodate the Chromebook or iPad devices district students now use.
In October, the school agreed to budget $1 million for work at four schools. Slated for modernization this summer are Madison Junior High and Highlands, Mill Street and Ranch View elementary schools.
The estimated cost to purchase new furniture and technology and install glass walls and new flooring is $990,750.
Superintendent Dan Bridges said Naperville North was the first school to integrate break-out huddle rooms to allow smaller groups to meet and work. It’s become a popular feature in subsequent learning commons upgrades, he said.
“We’re not only seeing those used by our kids, but also by our faculty as well,” Bridges said.
The district’s master plan calls for revamping three more schools in the 2019-20 school year, two in 2020-21 and three in 2020-22.
