North’s Learning Resource Center has many places where students can get help with class work, socialize and enjoy their free time. The LRC also has a multitude of spaces that are available for a place, quiet or loud, to study and work. Ben Wagoner, the LRC director and media specialist, oversees many of the facets that go into making the LRC the best that it can be.
One of the common sights in North’s LRC is giveaways. Whether a prize can be won from guessing how much candy is in a jar or from writing book reviews, there is almost always one that students can participate in. These giveaways drive students to go out of their comfort zone and try something new. Wagoner also enjoys seeing how different students attempt the challenges.
“We have some kids coming in and they’ll just go, ‘there’s [this many pieces of candy in the jar],’ [then] 25 other kids will go through and they’ll measure and count and look up how things are. All these different things that kids do, it’s just great,” said Wagoner.
One of the other things that the LRC often has is inflatables. Whether it be for St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween, they have one for every occasion. These are sourced by volunteer Bob Lang, and the LRC staff are very appreciative of him. The inflatables are a factor that help create the welcoming atmosphere in the LRC, as well as mimic the likeness of a public library.
“We want this to be a warm, inviting place. You go into a public library and they have decorations everywhere; why wouldn’t we do the same thing?” said Wagoner.
With the staff’s work on the LRC, they have created a place that does more than check out books. They actively look to assist students and help them complete their work. The LRC has multiple of these chances for students to get help, such as Wednesday early release tutoring or Thursday language tutoring during the school day.
“We’re not just a library as a library within the Learning Resource Center, and we want kids to come in and get help,” said Wagoner.
The LRC tries to make an environment that is welcoming and helpful for students. They continue to try to make the LRC a better place anytime they can. They enjoy seeing students in the space, and watching them work and socialize.
“I get joy out of kids enjoying being in here because that’s what we want. I’ll say this 1000 times, we want them to feel safe [and] want [them] to feel comfortable. We want them to feel like this is a warm, welcoming place for them,” said Wagoner.
