Transforming the Alvin Brooks Middle School library was an opportunity to design a space that feels welcoming, calm, and rooted in student needs. When I arrived, the library reflected its elementary history — bright colors, alphabet carpet, and a large decorative tree that didn’t match our middle school identity. I redesigned the space with intention, selecting new furniture, shelving, and décor to create an environment that supports independent reading, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Every decision was made with students in mind: comfort, visibility, accessibility, and belonging.
The Starting Point
In the weeks before school opened, the library served as a temporary sorting space for technology, supplies, and classroom materials. These images capture that transitional stage and show how the space evolved from a multi-purpose holding area into a calm, organized, and flexible learning environment for our students.
Progress in Motion
These images capture the library during the midway stage of its transformation. By this point, major structural decisions had been made — shelves were relocated to open the windows, excess furniture had been removed, and the layout was beginning to take shape. The makerspace was still being organized and the final furniture was arriving, but the vision for the space was becoming clear.
This stage reflects the thoughtful planning, problem-solving, and collaboration that guided the redesign as we worked to create an open, flexible, and student-centered Library Media Center.
This video shows the library partway through its transformation, with the layout, shelving, and makerspace beginning to come together.
The completed library reflects a full transformation from a cluttered, disconnected space into a purposeful Library Media Center designed around student learning. The circulation desk now anchors the room with clear sightlines, supporting safety and efficient service. A new printing station and teacher collaboration hub streamline daily workflow and instructional support.
Sliding glass doors, solid-surface flooring, and organized storage have turned the makerspace into a true innovation lab where students can design, build, and experiment. The installation of open-back aluminum shelving dramatically increased usable floor space, restored natural light, and made the entire collection more accessible.
The finished library is open, cohesive, and intentionally designed to promote independent reading, meaningful inquiry, and hands-on exploration.
Every design decision was rooted in supporting literacy, access, and the social–emotional needs of middle school students. Key features include:
Dry-erase mobile tables that can be rearranged for small groups, whole-class lessons, or individual work.
Mobile lab worktables with butcherblock tops that lift to store stools inside, saving space and keeping the library tidy.
Lab tables on wheels for effortless rearranging during makerspace activities, inquiry projects, and STEAM lessons.
Soft, comfortable seating arranged to create a calming “Zen Zone” where students can read independently and decompress.
Dedicated makerspace area with solid flooring to support robotics, circuitry, crafting, and hands-on building.
Workstools and mobile tables that encourage experimentation, collaboration, and problem solving.
Ample storage built into the design so tools, kits, and materials stay organized and accessible.
Removal of oversized wooden bookcases that blocked windows, limited sightlines, and reduced floor space.
Installation of custom aluminum shelving with an open-back, minimalist design to improve visibility, safety, and natural light.
Low-profile shelves that help students browse independently and make the space feel open and inviting.
Students describe the transformed library as calm, comfortable, and easy to navigate. The Zen Zone has become a favorite reading spot, while the makerspace sees constant use during class visits, STEAM activities, and open lab time. Teachers appreciate the flexibility of the mobile tables and lab stations, which make it easy to conduct research lessons, book tastings, inquiry workshops, and hands-on projects.
The redesigned space has strengthened reading engagement, increased circulation, and expanded opportunities for STEAM and PBL activities. Students browse more confidently and spend more time reading independently. Classes visit more frequently for instruction, and the adaptable layout supports a wide range of learning experiences — from quiet reading time to collaborative research to full makerspace labs.
This redesigned space reflects our commitment to creating a library that feels welcoming, functional, and student-centered. A place where curiosity grows and learning feels meaningful.