The Opening of the Library

Maui High School’s Library, located in Building C, has fully opened for students. However, it was expected to open at the beginning of August 2021. Why did it take so long? It may surprise you, but the reason is not COVID-19!

Two Sabers gazes on a page of a book they chose. Image Credit: Emi Sado

According to Ms. Seino, the school’s librarian, “the 50-year-old library had a major construction project that included changing the air conditioning and lights.” Furthermore, construction required for interior items to be removed and upgraded, there were delays in shipping the equipment, and delays in final inspections.

A Saber uses her free time at the library to study her class materials. Image Credit: Emi Sado

After the prolonged wait, new seating areas have been made, but more importantly, there are regulations to follow. “Anytime you enter the library… sign in at the entrance with the date, name, grade, time and reason for being in the library unless you come in with a class,” Ms. Seino states. This procedure helps with contact tracing if a student contracts COVID-19. Moreover, a maximum of 40 students are allowed to be inside, only utilizing the library for “studying, researching, reading, and browsing for books to borrow.” If students do not follow the rules, Ms. Seino says “students will be kicked out. If they are allowed back and break more rules, they are kicked out ‘forever’. And forever is a very long time…”

A Saber picks out a book to read. Image Credit: Emi Sado

Two events were held before the library opened; the Professional Development Workshop for Special Education Teachers and the Mini Job Fair; but, Ms. Seino adds that she will “try to get back to normal” by having special events such as book fairs, job fairs, college visits, etc. Ms. Seino is “happy as well that we are ‘almost’ back to normal and are able to welcome students back.”