The once busy, vibrant Buffalo High School library now has a completely different vibe from past years. In previous years, walking into BHS’s library felt energetic and inviting–a space where students felt welcomed to spend time with their friends in the morning. This year, entering the library feels calmer; more like an academic workspace than a fun place to hang out.
Over the summer, BHS underwent major construction, completely transforming many aspects of the building. One of the most significant changes is the brand new library. Old brown and white couches have been replaced with spotless, purple booths. Stained wooden tables have been swapped for new, modern tables. The worn-out carpet has been removed, replaced with a brand new, fresh carpet. Overall, this new library creates a consistent purple and white theme that aligns with BHS’s school colors.
Along with this refurnished space, the layout is now completely rearranged. Where the staff help desk used to be located now consists of many short bookshelves. The help desk is now in the center of the library, surrounded by booths and other modernized work areas. One brand-new addition includes glass rooms designed for groups of students to use as a collaborative working space without disrupting other students.
The faculty is ecstatic about this new look.
“I love the new space,” Mrs. Nickelsen, LLC/Peer Coaching Coordinator, said. “It is a great place for all the needs that we have at BHS, between the books and technology access for students and staff, the peer coaching, and having classes able to come in and use the small group spaces for collaboration. Everything seems to be working really well.”
Many students use this library as a resource to study, do homework, or even socialize with friends in the morning. Although everything from furniture to carpet is brand new, something invisible appears to be missing in the library. After about a month into the school year, there has been a notable reduction in chatter among students. Many students are having the conversation about whether the updated look is as welcoming as its previous design.
“I don’t like the new library because it’s not cozy anymore.” Adeline Brenny ‘27 said. “The layout feels too modern. I miss the couches. There are not enough places for me to sit with my friends, and there is very limited space. I don’t go there in the mornings anymore. The old one felt like a library, but now it doesn’t feel like a library anymore.”
Layla Sohns ‘27 also claims to miss the old library, mentioning how the space and furniture are not the only problem being discussed amongst students.
“I wish there were more tables, and everything feels very pushed to the left,” Sohns said. “The teachers are always hovering over us, and the booths feel very squished. They also got rid of all the board games, and I am furious because I used to play those. It’s also really annoying how they don’t let us have fun drinks.”
Along with these changes to the library comes room for improvement.
“I wish we had more furniture available for the center section,” Nickelsen said. “The nice thing is that everything is flexible, so we can easily move it back and forth. We are also in the process of ordering some things, like whiteboards for the small group areas, and just making it feel a little more like BHS rather than just a new space. I think having it open is a lot more welcoming for everybody. Overall, it was a really great change.”
Many students have agreed that the new library does not feel as comfortable as the old one. However, some students like the updated, modern look of the library, many agreeing that they enjoy the new booths. For students who use the library as an academic resource as opposed to an area of socialization, the renewal of the library has added a multitude of opportunities.
“I love the new library.” Ireland Morris ‘27 said. “It provides a very academic atmosphere, and it is very cozy. The new furniture is super nice, and I love how organized everything looks, especially with the new study rooms allowing good space for conversing and studying. We use the study rooms often for student council meetings,” Morris said. “In the mornings, sometimes I go to the library to study and work on homework. I love the variety and abundance of available alternate seating compared to last year, and I love the big check-in desk.”
Nickelsen enjoys this new angle of the library and has noticed a shift in how the space is being used before the school day begins.
“Students definitely seem more productive,” Nickelsen said. “We have had a lot of flexibility now that the senior study and online PSEO kids can have an alternative space in the cafeteria if they want to be more social or use their phones. Here, it’s a lot more of an academic focus, helping others get a space that they feel comfortable in and an extension of learning from the classroom. There’s been a huge change in the purpose students have to come in here.”
This large shift wasn’t accidental. Principal Mark Mischke wanted to encourage students to focus on schoolwork in the library, while also feeling welcome to be there.
“Trying to find the happy medium is where we’re at,” Mischke said. “We have a really nice new space, we’re trying to navigate how we keep it in line with what it’s supposed to be and still be welcoming. I want it to be an academic space. I want kids to come in here and feel like they can both enjoy it and do their work. That shift has growing pains, and it’s still a work in progress.”
The library ultimately has many distinct changes, provoking different emotions and opinions from students. The overall atmosphere of this space has completely shifted from the buzzing, talkative library it was in previous years to being redirected into a calming space, allowing students to focus on their work and get things done.
