CGGS’s brand new, recently refurbished, totally fabulous Library opened its doors to all students last week, returning to normal operating hours.

The librarians have been working tirelessly, alongside the Library Refurbishment Committee, in order to make sure it is ready for student use as soon as possible. The remodelled Library includes movable furniture, state-of-the-art discussion rooms, self-checkout stations, and a brand-new floor plan.

One of the biggest differences between this ‘2022 edition of the Library’ and last year’s is its spacing. The Annex is no more, replaced by flexible learning spaces, large windows for natural light, and even more discussion rooms. “My favourite part of this new Library are the flexible learning spaces,” said Ms Winifred Hanson, a member of the Library Refurbishment Committee. “They give students autonomy, along with the discussion rooms. Students can book them and hold [clubs] and have study sessions.”

Librarian Ms Caroline Docker added, “I definitely like the moveable shelves – students can create their own spaces. I also like the new senior study space. It’s not cramped in the corner like it used to be.” The new senior area has taken over where the fiction section used to be, complete with brightly-coloured booths and several new charging stations.

While some greenery was lost in order to make room for the changes to the Library, it has been replaced with outside seating and a bright red awning soon to come. There’s varied seating, with booths and high chairs and sofas. And there’s also a new staffroom for the librarians.

There are only two things missing: the students, and the majority of the books! The Library won’t be fully functional until Term 2, because of all the work that is still taking place in terms of organising the assets. The books themselves need new stickers on the backs, and need to be classified and shelved. Keep an eye out for announcements about a volunteer opportunity to help out the librarians.

Ally Voyles (Y12)
Editor-in-Chief of the CGGS’s students’ newspaper, Girls Grammar Times.