The Miller Place School District recently opened the doors to the new library space at Andrew Muller Primary School (AMPS). The space is designed to support a love of learning, engineering and research in a modern world.
“This new library space at AMPS will help our students stay up-to-date on skills and technology, and will also engage them in learning and exploration, making their school days more exciting,” stated Dr. Marianne Cartisano, Superintendent of Miller Place School District. “We are thrilled to be able to give our students this learning tool that will help foster their passions in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and for many, serve as a launchpad for a future career path.”
The library houses over 11,000 books. Book bins in the library are at student height, enticing them to peruse non-fiction topics of interest alongside high quality chapter and picture books. Underneath, and on other shelves, six tablets are available for students to learn basic coding and computer graphics/painting. A Lego wall, robots and other building materials are strategically placed around the library as they spark student’s imagination and problem solving skills. Students can sit on colorful chairs, relax in soft recliners, lay on cushioned cubes or sit on reading risers. Most furniture and storage bins are on wheels, allowing for flexible spaces to work. Even the Smart Board is movable enabling demonstrations to take place anywhere in the library. During library visits, classes will split in half—one half working on literacy activities, and the other half working on Makerspace activities.
“Our staff has noticed a significant increase in students’ excitement about library time,” said Laura Gewurz, Principal of Andrew Muller Primary School. “Students are eager to tell me about stories they’ve heard, creative stories they’ve written and projects they are or have built in the new space. The engagement and happiness evident on our students’ faces during library time is palpable.”
For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website atwww.millerplace.k12.ny.us.