Natalie, Wilson, Maddy Herbele, McKayla McGee and Caleigh Shaulis, all juniors, enjoy a new seating area.

The Thomas J. Bain Library at Walsh Jesuit High School has recently undergone significant changes that have captured the attention of students and faculty alike. These changes, orchestrated by librarian Mrs. Gayle Schmuhl, who joined the school in 2022, represent a major shift in the library’s function and design.

Mrs. Schmuhl, who brings with her 31 years of experience as a librarian for Berea City Schools, took on the challenge of transforming the Bain Library in her 40th year in education. Her aim was to create a more relevant and engaging learning environment for the students.

Upon her arrival, Mrs. Schmuhl, in collaboration with an administrative and faculty committee, assessed the library’s existing resources. This led to the discovery that much of the collection, primarily publications from the 1960s to the ’80s, was outdated and not particularly relevant to high school students. The decision was then made to modernize the library to make it a more suitable space for academic focus and casual reading.

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Students have responded positively to the changes. Junior Owen Fedak praised the new furniture, saying, “The chairs are a new and awesome addition. I love the new furniture; it is very comfortable and relaxing to sit in the chairs at the end of the day.” Senior Anna Solomon echoed this sentiment, noting, “I love the chairs that look like eggs–very comfy. It’s nice to have options of where to work.”

Others have commented on the overall atmosphere. Junior Zach Witkiewicz said, “I think the changes are fitting because it provides a more comfortable space to read.” Christina Chicatelli, a senior, added her preference for the new layout: “I like sitting at a separate table more than sitting in the long tables last year. I enjoy sitting with my friends in the library every morning at an individual table.”

Regarding the library’s collection, Mrs. Schmuhl stated, “We started with approximately 17,000 books and now have 8,989 books remaining. Of the remaining books, most were published from the 1990s through the 2000s, with a focus on religion, social sciences, and literature.”

The facility has also introduced a new catalog system, making it easier for students to find books, videos, databases, and reading lists. The library also continues to offer reading challenges to students, such as the “Blind Date with a Book” around Valentine’s Day, where students pick a book based on its description, read it, and then write a review. This year, Mrs. Schmuhl has added a new activity, the “Candy Cane Gram,” to spread holiday cheer in the Walsh Jesuit community.

With an average daily attendance of 300 students, the library’s popularity is evident. Mrs. Schmuhl’s efforts have revitalized the Thomas J. Bain Library, transforming it into an important and dynamic part of the school community.