When Megan Hall joined the PNHS teaching staff 10 years ago, she did so as a special education teacher. Three years ago, she transitioned into the role of library secretary, working with now-retired librarian Lisa Miller to learn how to manage the library while completing her Wayne State University library media science endorsement. After spending a full week changing the layout of the entire library, Hall began this school year as the lead librarian. 

While Hall’s face is familiar to students, she is joined by two new staff members. PN parent Cori Downey replaced her in the role of library secretary and David Boughton, who has an office in the library, replaced Diane Gottschalk as the building IT support specialist. Both have previous experience in PPS, with Downey coming from 12th Street Elementary and Boughton coming from West Middle School.

Hall has been meeting with all of the English classes to share what’s new in this year’s library. The most notable changes are:

• Fiction books are now in the center of the library (still grouped by genre) and non fiction books are exclusively along the perimeter. “Before, everything was mixed in together and it was harder to find what you needed,” Hall said. 
• Students can come to the library during seminar, but to do so, they must have all of their grades above a C- and follow the school’s no phone rule.
• There is a Creativity Center that is funded through grants that replaces the library computer lab. The creativity center has a variety of arts and crafts, puzzles, and games. “Students can use anything that is in that area,” Hall said. “All we ask is that you put it back when you’re done.” 
• There will be even more special events this year. Hall will continue the author virtual visits, which last year included Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone, and will also offer maker sessions where students can, at no cost, create buttons and learn how to use a Cricut machine (among other activities). Students will sign up for these events through their seminar teacher closer to their dates.

  

• There are musical instruments that can be checked out to play in the library conference rooms, including a guitar, ukulele, and steel drum. 
• The 641 Coffee Counter will only be accepting PACK tickets on Fridays due to their popularity last year having a negative impact on revenue, which is used to fund organizations in the school and the community. Last year, the coffee counter purchased a new camera for the Northern Light and donated backpacks full of school supplies to the Portage Police Department for families in need. They have also purchased yearbooks for students and paid to send the e-sports team to finals for the last two years. “Between student, staff, and community donations, the coffee counter has sponsored 45 projects totalling $5155 dollars and given away $4006 worth of free drinks with PACK tickets,” Hall shared. 

The library is an enjoyable space for many students. “I had already been down to the library more than once before our orientation,” said senior Ashton Laylon, carrying a stack of books from a manga series he likes called Jujutsu Kaisen. “I probably read about three to five books a week.” Hall’s additions to the library expand on the library’s traditional purpose of housing books, creating a more modern space that is welcoming, creative, and engaging. Students can keep up to date with library resources and events by listening to announcements and visiting the library website.