Church Street Elementary School unveils brand new library innovation lab to students

Church Street Elementary School students now have a new and improved location to take out their favorite books and explore new literature. The new library innovation lab, completed during renovations this summer, was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting on Thursday afternoon.

The ceremony was livestreamed to the entire school, where Principal Myra Castillo addressed students before the official opening. 

“When you walk into this library, you will have the opportunity to read many books and explore new worlds; you will be able to go on adventures, and most importantly you will be able to learn about the events that shaped our nation, our communities, and also continue to learn about those that inspire us,” said Ms. Castillo.

Covering their first assignment for the school paper, the Church Street School News Crew (CSSNC) was on hand to capture the festivities. Sophie H. and Cecilia M., the students with the most library check-outs during their time at the school, had the honor of cutting the ribbon.

To write their story about the new library, students in CSSNC also interviewed those in attendance, including Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca who told them: “One of the things I’m super proud of in White Plains: the number of amazing books we have on our shelves available for our Tigers.”

Dr. Ricca also thanked everyone who contributed to getting the library opened – including the Board of Education and Trustee Jessica Buck who attended on behalf of the Board. Dr. Ricca also thanked faculty, staff, and the PTA – before speaking to students about the literary passport that their new library gives them. 

“You know how when you go to the airport and get on an airplane, you can travel anywhere? That’s kind of like the library,” Dr. Ricca said to the students. “Make sure you use it, make sure you check out all the books and find your passions. These books here are going to give you access to all kinds of learning experiences and opportunities.”

Students were just as impressed with the new facility.

“I think it looks amazing. There have definitely been some glow-ups,” said Gabby A., who hopes to take out some more Percy Jackson books, since “they’re the best books.”

Diallo G. and Khady D. were also happy with how their first assignment for CSSNC played out.

“I really love it; it’s a really magical thing,” said Diallo. “It feels really good when everyone’s reading something you created, and all your friends know it.”

“I think it went really well,” said Khady, who is also a co-president of CSSNC. “I’m really glad I joined the newspaper.”

Ben Talbot, Church Street’s librarian, was excited to welcome students into the new library.

“It’s very different from when I came here 11 years ago,” said Mr. Talbot. “The collection has grown a lot since I’ve been here, so just seeing that we have space to house the collection and also grow it is very exciting.” 

The PTA is already thinking about ways that they can continue to improve the new library, with Danielle Iglesias, PTA co-president, saying she plans to “sit down with Ms. Castillo, Ms. (Meredith) Lee and Mr. Talbot and commission murals to go onto the library.”

Board of Education Trustee Jessica Buck was impressed with how quickly the library was renovated and how the final product turned out. 

“I’m very excited for it,” said Trustee Buck, “I couldn’t imagine it (would turn out this way) because it looks so beautiful and it happened so quickly. It’s amazing that they did this over the summertime. We’re grateful that they did the work and the kids get to enjoy it for the school year.”

The ribbon cutting was complete with a ceremonial check-out of the first book by one of the students – “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes, Church Street’s book of the month.