Newburgh Public School Students Build Three Little Community Libraries

The Grades 6, 7, and 8 students at Newburgh Public School have built three Little Community Libraries, now installed and active in front of the school, at the local church, and at “The Hilltop” near the gas station, bakery, and pharmacy. 

Teacher Olivia Cotman said that students, staff, families, and community members are encouraged to “take a book, leave a book,” from these new libraries.  

“The idea came to be last year during a professional development day, where I learned about the Limestone District School Board’s Expanded Opportunities (EO) team,” she says. “I learned that there were hands-on learning projects that students could take part in, which highlight different career pathways. I knew I had to bring an experience back to my class.” 

Cotman says she and the students spent time brainstorming a meaningful hands-on project and chose to build community libraries. 

“With no public transportation in this rural community, libraries are sometimes inaccessible to students,” she says. “There are many avid readers in my class who thought this would make a sustainable way for community members to recycle their books and improve access to reading.”

Jason Quenneville and Jeff Cardy, experiential learning consultants on the EO team, supported the project in a variety of ways including building a prototype, and providing blueprints, materials, and cut lists to help guide students. Through EO program funding, students had access to teaching support from Jason and Jeff to be able to build three libraries for the community.  

Students learned how to hammer shingles, wrap weatherproofing, use staple guns, drill pilot holes, use impact drivers, saw wood on various angles, use fractions and use math as a daily practice in measuring, maintain a clean workshop, and work collaboratively as a team for the community. 

“As a finishing touch, each student group voted on a quote to represent them, and Jeff used a CNC to laser the quotes into a plaque to be displayed on each library, as well as created wooden strips with the students’ initials for each library,” Cotman says. “Students built resilience, teamwork, strategies in delegating roles, and took so much pride in their work throughout this experience.” 

Once the libraries were complete, Cotman extended the learning by introducing students to the many pathways available in high school, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Specialist High Skills Major programs, dual credit opportunities, and co-operative education. 

“We had so many rich discussions about how students can find something they love and apply it to the world of skilled trades,” Cotman says. “They were so surprised to learn how many skilled trades there are, and that they could start working toward a career path while still in high school. 

“These real-world connections to curriculum really help concepts ‘click’ for students and help them understand the ‘why’ behind some of our learning,” she adds. “Thank you to Jeff, Jason, and the Expanded Opportunities team for sharing your passion, talents, and expertise with us.”