At first glance, the Interlake library can seem daunting, with its shelves full of colorful books on nearly every subject. However, the library is truly one of Interlake’s hidden gems: it’s a location where all students can find a book that speaks to them.
The library harbors a brilliant collection of the most popular young adult fiction, which can be found at the center of the room. Librarian Katy Nielsen explains that she carefully selects books online to match the interests of teenage readers. She often takes recommendations from students and encourages more people to request books for the school to buy. Unsure about which book to pick up first? New or award-winning titles are often featured on top of the shelves!
To the left of the young-adult fiction novels is a new section dedicated to classics. Famous novels such as those by Mark Twain and Jane Austen can be found here.
Ms. Nielsen mentions that she is particularly proud of the non-fiction section, organized according to the Dewey Decimal System. Throughout her four years at Interlake, Ms. Nielsen has steadily built updated collections of non-fiction books relating to social movements such as feminism and LGBTQ rights. Students will find this section particularly helpful not just for school related research, but to gain a better understanding of current events as well.
The back of the library provides a spacious environment for students to study in and is a great resource for free college-preparatory material. For example, the library provides a plethora of review books for the SAT, AP, and ACT tests. Career related manuals and college guides are also located here.
Apart from being an excellent source of books, the library also holds several events that provide new opportunities for students. During the fall, all college visits take place in the library during lunch or in the morning. The career center is at the front of the library, with representatives from different industries and programs who can converse with students interested in finding a job or an internship.
With a wide array of opportunities and resources available, the Interlake library is a location that all students should pay a visit to. Whether it’s to check out a newly released novel or talk to a college representative, the library is definitely a space for students to enhance their high school experience.