Ever since elementary school, the library has been an integral tool for students in their school endeavors, whether for printing assignments, learning more, or getting help with a project. Once a student reaches high school, it’s accepted almost without question that the Media Center will be there for the students who need it. But what if the school libraries, the exemplar of education, soon became a rare treat?

Lately at Seminole High, there’s been an eerie feeling around campus, more specifically, at the Media Center. The staff at the library always tries to do what’s best for the students, providing materials and devices in order to help them to finish their school assignments, yet lately this has become difficult for both students and the staff that tries to help them. The reason for this is the sudden testing “bomb” that has dropped on the Media Center.

What is this “bomb”? It’s the school’s new implementation of required statewide tests given in no place other than the Media Center. The library’s staff has had to accommodate state-wide testing dates and also the teachers’ availability, leaving less time for students come in on their own time.

But what about the students?

Library technician Mr. Charlie Schomer said, “We understand that the kids need a place to go, but sometimes I can’t even say when we’re open or not.”

The issue at the Media Center has gradually become a snowball effect. No one is able to schedule around these testing dates. Testing could run for five class periods one day, yet what happens when teachers need a section of the Media Center to work on projects with all of their classes? Sometimes, students look toward the library in order to finish up school work after school. Yet what happens when the library is closed in preparation for the following day’s testing?

An anonymous sophomore said, “I’ve needed to print at lunch and it has been closed, I think it’s really inconvenient. I don’t think they should close it so often when teachers still expect students to have everything done on time. The Media Center is supposed to be a resource for students.”

Last year, more than 77 days were lost at the Media Center due to testing. This year, administration estimates that up to 99 days may be spent in testing at the Media Center. The school really can’t do much to help the situation. An anonymous freshman said, “I actually think the school is handing the situation fine.”

A number of people think it’s time for a change in this continuous lack of availability at the library. Expansions of the Media Center, having students buy their own devices, and even the building of an entirely new library that can fill at least 500 computers have all been suggested as possible solutions by administration.

For now, it seems that the library will remain a semi-permanent testing site at Seminole High. Hopefully, this vicious cycle will somehow be amended and students will be given back their once-beloved Media Center.