The library has many resources available to students that can help promote academics and community building here at RCHS.
Some of these resources include a full catalog of textbooks, the maker bar, stop motion, chess table, and the digital media lab. All of these resources build the library to be somewhere that all students can come and express themselves.
Amanda Burks is the head librarian at RCHS and has been for seventeen years.
“We strive to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all students,” said Burks.
The library is a place open for all students to connect with each other and be creative. Oftentimes students will gather in the morning at the library to relax before a long day, or solve a puzzle with friends to ease some stress.
“I would say the library is a comforting place for students to just escape the halls and have a place to feel at home,” said Burks.
Having a safe haven is especially important for people that may be out of place in the school. If a student is being picked on or feels like they don’t have many friends, the library can be the place that lifts those feelings off of them.
The digital media lab is available for students to edit videos and make video projects that exercise creative ability. Working with different programs like Audacity and Shotcut can prepare you for potential using them in your future career or school projects.
“I have always had a passion for video projects and editing, seeing kids projects come together as a final project is the best part,” said Burks.
Burks is dedicated to bettering the library in every way that she can, helping students with how to navigate the library or properly citing sources. There is always somebody
in the library that can assist you with projects or answer questions.
One of the resources that Burks has recently obtained is the schools access to the New York Times. Students can access that content without encountering a paywall.
The New York Times is a great resource for students to write research papers or current event reports. This resource, and the many other databases that students have access to through the library’s website, are provided by Rockbridge County High School.
These websites and databases have so much information that is entertaining to dive into, but also helpful for school work.
In addition to the resources available, students can also take a class as a library assistant.
Junior Malcolm Forbes is one of the library assistants this year.
“I enjoy using the books in the library to entertain myself and get the most knowledge they offer,” said Forbes.
Forbes spends his fourth period organizing shelves and checking out books, but also uses this opportunity to get some school work done in a peaceful environment.
The library is starting a new event in the mornings where new board games are being opened as an opportunity for students to play them with each other in the morning. This will bring students together and allow for some fun before the school day.
The library aims to be the pot and soil for a growing community at RCHS.
