A Look Inside The New LLC
Photo Credit: Ashley Warren
Hamber’s new Library Learning Commons (LLC) opened on Oct. 15, following much anticipation. While some students were confused as to if they could enter the space or not, the grand opening was ultimately a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The LLC has become one of students’ favourite places already, with over 90 students visiting during FIT over the first week, according to Ms. S. Lemmon (LLC). But some students are still missing aspects of the old library, especially because of the new facility’s smaller size.
“It’s quite small, I have to say — disappointingly small,” library monitor Conrad Kwok (12) said. “One thing I do wish is that it was a little bit bigger, because during FIT time we might have to close early, or have to cap the capacity lower than usual.”
Despite this, Kwok said that “overall, [he] likes the vibe of the library - it looks new [and] refreshed.”
“[The LLC] looks nice. It’s a nice improvement, and I like how they renovated the school,” said Joshua Lin (9). However, he agreed that what he misses how big the old LLC was.
Hamber’s teacher-librarians, though, are satisfied with the smaller, more open layout, finding it easier to manage and help students. Instead, the librarians are concerned about losing the ability to “create different moods at different times of the year”, as explained by Ms. G. Lau (LLC).
“For things like Halloween […] if we want to create a mood here, it’s harder to do. We still can, but it’s just a little harder, ” says Ms. Lemmon. Additionally, she worries about the “ability to create quiet, [with] the nature of the space being so open, and having a large opening.”
Another key use of the LLC is as a study space for students. The study rooms enjoyed by students in the old library are back, but with a new addition: the innovation lab, a unique space for groups to collaborate on creative projects like videos, models, and performances.
Although there is only one innovation lab, there are many tables in the back of the library to also work on group projects, as well as a group study pod located near the front entrance of the library. Students looking for independent study time can make use of new individual study pods.
While the teacher-librarians are excited to bring back iconic library events, like the 12 days of Bookmas and Book March Madness, Hamber’s librarians are also excited to create new traditions.
“As much as we loved the old space, and what it provided, I think this is a great opportunity to create some new stuff, some new memories,” Ms. Lau said. Speaking of new traditions, students can look forward to potential new events.
“We’re still trying to figure out if it’s going to happen,” explained Ms. Lemmon while discussing ideas like “a full day or sleepover in the library.”
Despite some of the technical issues surrounding the big move, the new LLC is already winning over the hearts of Hamber students. “[The] library is very welcoming and warm. When I walked in here, I was like: I'm going to spend every single day of the school year here,” said Lluna Roig-Masand (8).
For her part, Ms. Lemmon was overjoyed to see students using all the space and resources the LLC has to offer. “It was really awesome to see how people used the space already on day one. To have 90 people in here at FIT, and [see] them using all the spaces, I was just like: yeah, it feels good.”