EDUCATION NOTES
High school library is 'Grand Central Station'
PAMELA VOYLES

T h e h i g h school library has been a busy place this school year. The faces change every hour, but it has a constant flow of students coming in and out. We have had students coming in to check out books, check on political candidates, work on projects and enjoy some great guest speakers.

We have been fortunate enough to watch two great groups come and speak to the Port Aransas students in the last couple of weeks. The University of Texas Computer Science Department spoke to the kids about their program. The kids enjoyed watching the movie that the college students wrote and produced. They brought a dog robot and showed the kids all the things it was programmed to do. Everyone got a chuckle out of watching it kick a soccer ball. Some of the students stayed after to talk to the professors. One was advising students on what they needed to do to be accepted into their program.

We also had students walking around with blindfolds and walking sticks. They got to simulate what it is like to be blind and have to get around. They were shown different types of everyday things you have in your house that are designed for the blind. They also got to try reading a little braille.

I get so excited when the students get excited about reading. I have had so many boys get excited about reading this year. They actually come in and request books for me to order. The girls have always done this to a certain extent, but this year they are requesting more than ever. The waiting list for particular books just keeps getting longer. We have actually been trading books around all three libraries to keep up with the kids' reading choices. It is nice to see them excited about books.

I have had some of the girl basketball players coming in using the Internet to try and decide on a design for their hoodies. I have learned that this is a huge decision. They not only have to play great on the court, but they have to look good, too.

The high school library has benefited from one of the computer labs getting all new computers. We now have six additional computers in the library as well as the existing computers in the lab next to the library. The students have been coming to conduct research and write papers. All six computers are utilized on an hourly basis. It has been an excellent addition to the library.

I asked a few of the students to tell me why they enjoy coming to the library so often.

Katie Fries wrote, "My favorite part of the library is the large assortment of books and encyclopedias that hold the knowledge of the world. I also enjoy the quiet atmosphere."

Kaitlyn Van Zandt wrote, " I like going to the library because we go into what we call the secret room and study. It creates a closed off mood that I use to study."

Caitlin Pyle wrote, "What I enjoy about our library is that it allows students to learn and study without all of the distractions of a classroom."

I feel very fortunate to get to come to work every day and love what I do. Port Aransas has outstanding students. I get to experience their creativity and excitement about learning new things every day.

Pamela Voyles is the librarian for Port Aransas High School.