OHS, West Students Collaborate to Revamp Elementary Library

Brighter colors, comfy chairs, soft lighting, a map of Ozark, and a vending machine — with “school-safe snacks,” of course — are just a few of the suggestions West students shared with Ozark High School interior design students for a library makeover. 

“The library hasn’t been updated since the school opened in 2007, and it’s time to create a space that better reflects how students learn, read and collaborate today,” said Elizabeth Wilson, West librarian. “We want the library to be more inviting and flexible — a space where students feel excited to read, learn and work together.”

To kick off the project, the OHS interior design class, along with teacher Lexy McNew, visited to see the space, collect ideas and come up with a design plan. 

“If you had your dream, ideal space in the library, what would it look like,” McNew asked the elementary students. “Some of your ideas may actually be included in what we do for the design.”

West students looked through magazines and gave OHS students ideas on what they would like to see in the library. OHS students will research those ideas and create vision boards to bring back to West for additional feedback. 

A big thank you to West PTA and families, as the money raised at this year’s Boosterthon is funding the project. 

“We’re thrilled that the funds raised through Boosterthon are going directly toward improving our library,” Wilson said. “And we’re excited to partner with the high school to make a plan for the makeover.”

Wilson hopes to update the library this summer with a “big reveal” ready for students when they return next school year.