The most recent book on the space program that a Menlo-Atherton High School student could find in the school library was written in the early 1980s, about the time of the first Space Shuttle launch, but well before the Hubble Telescope revealed the mysteries of the cosmos.
That's an example of how behind the times the school's library has been. This year, however, the library is undergoing a major metamorphosis, adding 11 computer workstations with Internet access, CD-ROM equipment with an on-line catalog, periodicals and other research materials at students' fingertips.
The Menlo Park Rotary Club, along with the Sequoia Union High School District's Foundation for the Future, have raised $115,000 so far, out of a total goal of $135,000, to update the library's technology, replace its antiquated card catalog and buy $40,000 worth of new books.
"Our library hasn't had an infusion of money in 25 years," said Nancy Ragey, who heads the Foundation for the Future program at M-A. A lot of the collection doesn't reflect the curriculum, and it certainly doesn't reflect the school's diversity, she said.
Over the summer, the first infusion of money bought new carpets, a divider for the computer area, 11 computers and a book security system.
"It was like a brand-new library when kids walked in this year," Ragey said. But, there's more. By the end of the school year, the library will have a total of 18 computer workstations and a collection of new books.
Already, students are using the library more, and teachers are able to make assignments involving library research.
"It makes learning more exciting. When you walk in now, there's just an excitement," Ragey said. Before the renovation, she said, the library "was mostly a place where (students) went to be dry" when it rained.
The Rotary Club has raised $40,000 itself, $24,000 more than it expected, and plans to use much of the money for future library needs. "All of this money is earmarked for the library," said M-A parent and Rotary member Tom Gibboney. The project, he said, "has really brought it into the 21st century. We thought that, being in Silicon Valley, our library should reflect that."
Rotary President Dick Treat, an M-A alumnus, said the project hit close to home. About a quarter of the Rotarians went to M-A. "Here we're helping 2,000 kids a year for many years."
Foundation money was raised mostly from individuals, while the Rotary donations came from a pancake breakfast fund-raiser, businesses and an author event.
--Elizabeth Darling
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