Collegewood Elementary Opens 21st Century School Library

An official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held during a spirit day assembly attended by students, staff members, district and local officials.

The school library has been relocated from a portable to a centralized classroom featuring modern décor, eBook station, new shelving for hundreds books and cozy reading areas. 

Students can leave post-it messages about what they like about their new library. Dry erase boards and ceiling-high magnetic pillars encourage creativity and writing.

During the ceremony, two longtime Collegewood friends came back to read the first book from the new library. 

Robert Chang, director of human resources and former principal, and Liz Dickerson, retired first grade teacher, took turns reading aloud The Best Place to Read.

“What’s the best place to read? If you ask me, it’s the Collegwood Library!” they said in unison personalizing the very last line. 

Several children shared why they were excited about the new library.

“It will have informational technology and nonfiction books,” said one boy. “I can’t wait to see inside,” another student said.

Principal Joan Perez said the beautiful new library shows the promise of 21st Century school libraries. 

“It is a gateway to information resources and services, It is a design studio for those who want to be creative. It is a place where you can come and be creative and collaborative. It’s also a calm and relaxing space if you just want to come and read a book. It truly is a vision of what a library media center should be and it gives me great pleasure to present it to each and everyone of you,” she said.

“We hear a lot about the 21st Century skills and the five “C’s”, said Perez. 

“Think about how are the five “C’s going to help our library media center?” In today’s library, students will be working in an information-driven world. So now more than ever our library is critical to fostering students who are prepared to student, to work, study, and live in a global economy,” she said.

City of Walnut Mayor Tony Cartagena presented a certificate of recognition and said he loves to visit the library. 

Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz, a Collegewood alumni and former parent, said she has lots of memories about the school.

“I’m really excited to see this because it was my 5th grade classroom with my very favorite teacher, Mr. Almberg,” she said. 

“The Media Tech Center is officially open!” announced Principal Perez after cutting the red ribbon.