Most students at AGHS might think the library is only for checking books out. However, the library is more than just books; it has seating, games, a printer, and extra textbooks for studying.
“I like the environment, and [the library] also has a really good book selection,” Paige Unch (‘27) said. “I’ve read through most of the fantasy section of [AGHS’S] library, in some way, shape, or form.”
Students check out and return books to the library throughout the yearThe checkout time for library books is a roughly one-month period. Once the month has gone by, students who checked out books will receive an automated email asking if they wish to renew or return the book.
AGHS library books are separated into two categories: individual reading and books for classes. If the assigned book is a class set, library aids deliver and pick up the books. However, if the assigned book is for the students to take home, teachers assigning the book are asked to bring their students to the library to pick them up. The books in the AGHS library are made out of a specific material to withstand the wear and tear from several students using them.
“A book that you might get off Amazon usually isn’t going to be that same level of durability [as school copies],” librarian Rachel Lodge said. “But, we still offer that as a replacement option if something does happen to a book.”
The library is a great place to hang out with friends, study for tests, and read books. The AGHS library is open before, during, and after school hours. However, the overall price of library books for the school has gone up over the years.
“When I started [twelve years ago as a librarian], the average cost was probably about $20,” Lodge said. “And [currently] we’re up to about $35 a book.”
With novels that are widely used, like The Great Gatsby, the library needs multiple copies, and Lodge cannot always get the same novel covers.
“As copies wear out, we have to purchase new ones or replacement copies,” Lodge said. “So, with [the] ones so widely used, we have [multiple] different versions. We do the best we can to give everybody the newest, cleanest version that we can.”
Students are encouraged to come in and enjoy the many ammenities the AGHS Library has to offer.
