13-05-2025
Northside Elementary's new library promotes technology and preserves traditional books
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Learning just got a little more exciting for some local students. Northside Elementary unveiled its newly renovated library on Monday.
A $77,000 grant from the St. Joe Foundation provided new flooring, paint, and furniture.
In addition to over 10,000 books, there's also a book vending machine and new technology for students to discover.
Officials believe the new environment will spark a love for reading.
'Little ones, they can learn to grow to have a hunger and a thirst and a passion for reading because you learn to read all the way up to the third grade and then you read to learn from fourth grade on and you know, as lifelong learners, we're still reading to learn more,' Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen said.
The upgraded space promotes technology while preserving the value of traditional books.
Liberty County teacher in top 5 for Fla. Teacher of the Year award
'As much as we are moving forward, I think we do not need to get lost in the foundation of things, like books are always going to matter. And I think being well-rounded as individuals and citizens to know how to read a book or look up something in a dictionary is just as important on how to Google something. So, I think all of the types of literacy are important,' Northside Elementary Fifth Grade Teacher Adrianna Swearingen said.
The initiative to promote literacy has already proven successful among Northside students.
'I love it. It just feels more spacious and less crammed, and it just feels more comfortable and makes me want to read more,' Northside Elementary Fifth Grade Student Charlotte Forrester said.
Northside is one of the first to receive the renovations, but officials said more schools will see the upgrades in the future.
The new library is set to be fully operational for all students for next school year.
But fifth graders have already seen it before they move on from Northside.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
