School libraries are often neglected, and Nashville is no exception. Limitless Libraries inspired a generous local donor to fund renovations of libraries at two local schools (both Limitless Libraries sites). With laptops and iPads, production spaces, and better floor plans, these transformed spaces bring in more students. They come to hang out, study, create - and read! NPL then used Limitless Libraries funds to transform libraries at two more schools in 2014. Listening to librarians and students, we built reading nooks, study rooms, cyber cafes and MakerSpaces. In the Fall of 2015, NPL will open renovated libraries at yet two more schools. Librarians tell us students can’t wait to get in to their new libraries every day. In fact, students can now better access materials all day through self-checkout.

We selected libraries in schools that had librarians and principals who are committed to Limitless Libraries. We also chose a mix of schools that covered diverse student groups. At each school, we surveyed students, teachers and parents to learn what they wanted and needed from their school library. These partnerships have lasted beyond the day we cut the ribbon to open a new space. We continue to work with each school librarian through Limitless Libraries, helping them curate quality collections, obtain new technology for their students and offer literacy programming at their schools.

The school library transformation component of Limitless Libraries underscores the worth of NPL’s relationships with school librarians and demonstrates what is possible when a school library becomes the heart of its school. When a school library is the coolest place to be, it becomes a very busy place. That’s why we, along with administrators at these sites, have committed to adequate staffing in these spaces. NPL will continue supporting librarians at these schools and at all our Limitless Libraries sites to increase reading, collection development, circulation, access to technology and community building.