Gustine Unified School District is transforming its libraries into vibrant, student-centered learning hubs designed to meet the academic and personal needs of today’s learners.
Superintendent Dr. Bryan Ballenger says the new approach to library/media centers will not only modernize facilities, but also expand opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and creativity.
Ballenger said the overall vision is to create spaces that go far beyond the traditional concept of a school library. Gustine High School has already redesigned its library with flexible furniture and comfortable seating to create a more welcoming atmosphere, and that model will soon expand across the district.
“Our goal is for students to view the library not just as a place for books, but as a destination where they are welcomed and valued,” Ballenger said. “We’re opening earlier, staying open later, and making these spaces a safe place for students to study, collaborate, or just recharge.”
The district is also updating book collections to reflect the diverse backgrounds and interests of its students, ensuring that shelves represent voices and stories that resonate with the community.
The libraries are also being reimagined as digital hubs. Each site now offers Accelerated Reader, which motivates students through reading comprehension quizzes and rewards, and MyOn, a digital library that students can access anytime on their Chromebooks.
At Gustine High, students will soon find advanced tools such as Mac computers for digital content creation and collaborative spaces equipped with smart TVs and interactive touch screens. The library will also serve as a tech support center where students can check out Chromebooks, get devices repaired, or receive replacements.
“These upgrades mean students won’t just be consuming content,” Ballenger explained. “They’ll be creating it.”
The new layouts are designed to encourage both independent and group work. Collaborative hubs, flexible seating, and interactive technology will make the library a space where students can study, create, and share ideas.
At the elementary level, teacher-librarians are incorporating engaging activities to help students feel comfortable exploring library resources. Plans are also underway to launch student book clubs across the district, creating opportunities for students, parents, and staff to connect through reading.
While the spaces are primarily focused on students, Ballenger noted the district sees potential for families to participate in events such as family literacy nights and student book clubs. Parents may also be welcomed to join their children before or after school to select books and engage in reading activities.
To evaluate the impact of these changes, the district will track data such as book circulation, participation in programs like Accelerated Reader, and student use of library spaces before and after school. Surveys will also be conducted to gather student feedback about the usefulness and inclusivity of the libraries.
“We’ll be looking at both the numbers and the stories,” Ballenger said. “The ultimate measure of success is whether students feel these spaces belong to them and help them grow academically and personally.”
