Throughout the year, the library consistently provides activities such as art projects and engaging discussion topics for the school through their aptly named Lunch & Learns. Students from all grades are welcome to attend these library events during their lunch period. 

“Lunch and Learns are a way for us to be able to bring students into the library who aren’t our usual library users, maybe don’t check out books,” librarian Amelia Lewis said. “We want them to be able to feel that they can come to the library and it’s a space for them to feel comfortable and do some things that are fun and exciting,”

As part of their library programming (their system of planning out library events), the librarians have decided to plan their events during lunchtime to allow students to attend without interfering with other events.

“Lunch and Learns have definitely benefited my mood and made me want to go to school more, I feel involved,” senior Austin Vasquez said.

Lewis admitted to using food as a lure, with full knowledge that not all attending students will complete the project or pay attention during the Lunch & Learn.

“I know not everybody who comes to a Lunch and Learn will complete the project, but that’s okay,” Lewis said. “I feel like if they came to a space at school and they felt like they were safe and a part of a community and that it was someplace where they felt that they could be themselves, that’s good. Of course, we want to shower our walls with stuff the students do, but I feel it’s more important that students feel they have a place to belong.”

Students feel comforted by the environment and enjoy how well the librarians have served the school.

“I used to be very scared going to the library but now I’m calm when going,” Vasquez said. “I know the teachers and the people who go there well. I just feel calm there, I don’t feel anxiety there.”

In the coming weeks, the library has planned many more Lunch & Learns, including bringing in a person well experienced in origami to teach students how to fold paper into art.

“We just want them to create something that they can feel good about and put on display,” Lewis said.

The next Lunch and Learn is set to be on Sept. 25, focusing on creating healthy habits. Reservations are open now!