In September 2012, Georges Vanier Elementary School in Surrey, British Columbia began the transformation from Library To Learning Commons. One aspect of this process is a reconfiguration of the physical space.

1. Developing the Learning Commons -
Physical Space
Georges Vanier Elementary School
Anna Crosland - Teacher Librarian
http://commonsconnections.edublogs.org
http://georgesvanierlibrary.edublogs.org

2. The Georges Vanier Library has always been a busy
center for our school...

3. Contests
Sto rytellers
Buddy Read
in g

4. Theme Days
Book G
iveawa
ys
Strong Sta rt Pre-School

5. Aboriginal
Celebrations
Research

6. lubs
Book C

7. b Lunch Time
p Clu
Stam Clubs
Origa
mi C
lub
lub
Ger onimo Stilton C

8. It is a compact library...but the way we used the space
was not always ideal. One aspect of developing a
Learning Commons is to examine the physical space.

9. Original Layout
We took a look at how we could re-configure the layout.

10. Original Layout
Entrance area filled with stacks...

11. Hidden bulletin boards
Difficult to manoeuvre corners Original Layout

12. Out of reach shelves
Under-utilized space
Original Layout

13. Awkward book displays
Storage area for antiques Original Layout

14. anym ore...
ed this
on’t ne
Guess we d
So we went to the drawing board, interviewed students,
gathered ideas from co-workers and colleagues and
sought out advice on-line.

15. Husba
nds we
re pres
sed int
o labou
r
For a while it was a bit of organized chaos. Shelves were
weeded, books were packed up, boxes were stored.

16. But the commons soon started to take shape.

17. We love how the space better reflects the collaborative
nature of our learning.

18. Students use the multi functional cubes in a variety of
ways, working together or in a group.

19. The cubes are lightweight and easy to move.

20. We took our original plan a step further. We eliminated all
of the free standing stacks and refrained from buying
more furniture to create a larger more versatile space.

21. We await the finishing touches such as
some built in shelving to house books
temporarily lining the window sills.
However, we are pleased with the
reactions of the staff and students to the
new look of the Georges Vanier Learning
Commons.
Developing the Learning Commons -
Physical Space
Georges Vanier Elementary School
Anna Crosland - Teacher Librarian
http://commonsconnections.edublogs.org
http://georgesvanierlibrary.edublogs.org