My special resources library choice was the library inside the Renaissance Academy. The Renaissance Academy offers alternate education programs for teens who are unable to attend public school. The high school and middle school libraries are connected by one office space the librarian called the “fishbowl.” Because this assignment is focusing on the special resources available in the school I was only focusing on the High School side.
Here is description of the school I pulled directly from the website. “Renaissance Academy is where students find acceptance, empowerment, and achievement. The alternative education programs offered at the Renaissance Academy strive to ensure that every student finds a path to personal and community educational goals. Renaissance has a dedicated staff that is both highly qualified and highly committed to the success of all our students. Our students are given ample opportunities, both academically and socially, to expand their horizons and challenge themselves.We prepare students for success after they leave our classrooms – whether their future is attending college, joining the workforce or serving the nation with our military. At Renaissance, we work hard to ensure all students meet their full potential.” (Renaissance Academy, 2022)
From the outside this looks like your typical specialty school with ample parking, several bike racks and plenty of ADA access to the building. You do have to do through security and metal detector once you are through the building. The library is a very open and inviting place. I was very pleasantly surprised and pleased at how beautiful the library truly was. There was also a ton of natural lighting in the space. The librarian as the school has been there for almost 8 years and is really passionate about her role in helping the often troubled youth students that she see’s during the day.
They have a wide variety of special resources for the anyone that would need accommodations. The library has all the standard accommodations for someone with a disability such as automatic door openers, items easily accessible to someone in a wheel chairs, headphones for audio use, etc. Since this library is servicing a lot of at-risk youth that have additional special resources and I was pleasantly surprised to see all the resources addressing mental health too. There was also very uplifting signage and lost of materials celebrating diversity. The students also have access to additional resources such college prep books, career guides, and military career choses. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to this location and feel confident in this library’s ability to cater to this special population and persons with disabilities who need special accommodation. I took the most photos of this location to show the space a special resources. Enjoy!
The Renaissance Academy. https://renaissanceacademy.vbschools.com/
Hi Lindsey,
“Fishbowl” is certainly a good name for the place considering how it is situated! As a Socratic Seminar enthusiast, I appreciate the term anyway.
I love that you had the opportunity to visit this school, and I’m even happier to see how beautiful the space is. These students deserve every possible avenue and resource for success, and the refreshing space probably does more than we’d think to work toward that success. My own students often comment on how much they enjoy the “look and feel” of our classroom, which they attribute to their ability and willingness to work in there.
The library space at Renaissance is gorgeous. I love the light and soft surfaces like carpets, cushy chairs, and the like. Underlined by your summary and pictures, this space does an excellent job of making resources accessible and welcoming, and I’m impressed with the displays of books that promote diversity of both culture and ability. Bravo.
Thanks for sharing!
Rachael
I also loved that she called a fish bowl and it was every bit like that. I honestly would have spent all day there curled up with a book if she let me.
Hi!
I think you did a great job highlighting this beautiful space! I’m so glad that in a tough school like this, aesthetics weren’t forgotten when creating a communal library. I love the Wordles for the Dewey shelves – I might have to look into that for my library! Were all of the shelves wheelchair accessible?
Did you get to talk to the librarian much? I think it’s incredible she’s been there for so long – the changes she’s seen!
Good work
Karen
I was only one the high school side but yes every shelf for the lower height. I believe this is also a safety measure in the school so students can be seen from any point of the library. The librarian was awesome and she actually talked a lot of burn out and how she is running two libraries and often has to sub for teachers.
I like the Celebrate Diversity display board; that is another good idea! That is nice the librarian is able to assist at risk youth and play a positive role in helping them change their lives. The spacing between the bookcases to ensure all have access is wonderful; I have been to a few that I had a hard time turning around with my backpack on without hitting the shelves. Thanks for the tour!
Thanks for the comment I have to admit that in some of the other locations I had my book bag on and I almost knocked things over as well. I would like to blame the book bag though!
Hey, you were in my neck of the woods! I’m curious how you picked this particular school. Were you specifically looking for an alternative school? Did it give you pause when you had to pass through metal detectors on the way in?
I have admired the outside of the school since it was built but had never seen inside. It is very nice, and the library looks very inviting, bright, and structured all things that would benefit the students. My hats off to the librarian for her dedication to her students. It definitely is a calling. Appreciate you sharing.
Hello,
I actually have a family member who is closely tide to the school and one of the staff members was able to let me visit. Yes, the metal detectors did give me some pause but I understand for safety. If you have the opportunity to visit I definitely would see if you can get permission to go by.