CVHS students use the library almost every day during lunch period and sometimes during advocacy. For the 2024-2025 school year, the library has many different services and unique ways of gaining information that students and staff can use.
One of the library’s most popular features is the many physically accessible books it offers to students.
“As far as traditional library books go, we have a large collection of both fiction and non-fiction titles,” said Cynthia Schulze, the CVHS librarian of eight years. In total, the library contains 7514 physical books.
In addition to the physical books in the CVHS library, students have access to many digital books using programs such as MackinVIA.
“You can read or listen to the titles from a computer, or you can download the MackinVIA app on any device. Most of the books found in this collection are popular titles intended for pleasure reading,” said Schulze.
The library also offers access to both physical and digital copies of many titles through HISD’s partnership with the Houston Public Library (HPL) system. Schulze said that because of this partnership, “Students can check-out physical books or use all of HPL’s online databases without having to apply for a library card.”
One important aspect of the library that is sometimes overlooked is the role of an experienced librarian to effectively run the library.
“Academically, I think it is extremely important for our school to have a certified librarian who can not only point our students to the available resources, but one who is also familiar with the content and knows which resources will best meet their specific needs,” said Schulze. She also says that a librarian with a “background in literature and research” is beneficial because they are able to “help students navigate online resources.”
Besides the resources and experience that the CVHS library and librarian provide, one of the most important services the CVHS library provides is the space for students to gather, collaborate, and learn. Schulze says that she does not expect the library to be very silent when students are present, which “gives students the opportunity to work on group projects, meet with clubs, practice presentations on the SMART Board, print, and utilize our 3-D printer.”
The CVHS library is also a place where students gather to take classes. According to a CVHS poll of 24 students, 8.3% of students use the library for classes. Another 16.7% total of students in the poll attend club meetings that take place in the library. One anonymous student mentioned that their yearbook class takes place in the library.
Perhaps one reason so many students enjoy taking advantage of all the library has to offer is the physically welcoming space itself. Schulze noted that “Many students and visitors at CVHS notice that the library space has a “modern architectural style that is aesthetically pleasing” and includes “floor to ceiling windows” as well as a carpeted floor not found in many other parts of the school building. “Students enjoy the bright space and the ability to spread out on the carpet, and I often hear students talking about how much they like being in the library,” said Schulze. An anonymous student described the library as “clean” and “spacious” and mentioned that the interior design creates a “calm and relaxing” atmosphere.
Another anonymous student captured the widespread appeal of the library, saying, “I think the library is really important because, personally, that’s where I go to focus on my schoolwork if I can’t find a quiet place … It’s just a really calming space.”
