Multiple changes are underway to improve the library for students including the addition of student book reviews on the shelves, the elimination of books that haven’t circulated in a long time, and the rearrangement of books so more covers are visible. These changes have been implemented by the librarians, Brigid Dolan and Melanie Whiteley, with the help from NHS students on Feb. 6.

The library is also being genrified. Genrification is the separation of books by genre. Previously, only horror, sci-fi/fantasy, and mystery were separated out and labeled, but soon readers will easily be able to find action/adventure, sports fiction, realistic, and romance in their own sections. There will also be labels on LGBTQ+ books. To make this possible, the librarians had to count out and measure how much space was needed for each genre and rearrange accordingly. 

“All the research shows that kids find it much easier to look for books if they’re all in genres,” Dolan said .

There will also be book blurbs and reviews, written by students, on the shelves. These will help students find new books they are interested in with recommendations from their peers. 

“I think it’s a great idea,” sophomore Grace Cuenca said . “It always helps to know what the book series, or book is actually about and being able to see that little blurb that simplifies the plot so that way you know what you’re getting into.” 

The whole goal of the changes happening to the library is to get students to read more. One study from the American Psychological Association says that less than 20 percent of teens read for fun daily. 

“If we make the books more prominent by showing the covers, I think that’s going to catch their interest more,” said Dolan. “Also, if we make these sections pop a little bit more with more books, displaying nicer looking signs [it will help]”. 

The process started last fall, but the librarians have only been able to work on it after school. To assist the process, NHS volunteers dusted shelves, wrote reviews, wiped down tables, and reorganized books during their meeting on Feb. 6.

“I think having us there probably really helped them with their workflow because I know that they’re undergoing this huge project to reorganize everything,” said junior Monica Johnson, the junior board member of North’s chapter of NHS.

The goal is to have the library completed by the start of next school year. 

“We’re excited about this change,” Dolan said. “We’re really excited about genrifying our whole collection and getting kids [interested in reading].”