At the Arcadia Public Library (APL), there are a multitude of resources available specifically for high school students. While many use the library as a place to relax or check out books, Arcadia High School (AHS) students take advantage of the opportunities to study in study rooms, relax in the teen zone, and use textbooks and computers in order to maximize their study experience.
The library offers reservations for study rooms, a great opportunity to learn in a distraction-free environment. These study rooms are free to reserve and allow for up to two hours of studying. Included in the study rooms are whiteboards, tables, and chairs, all productive tools for studying and learning. Additionally, these rooms allow for students to collaboratively learn and study together, creating a more involved learning environment.
Sophomore Angie Wong said, “It benefits me because everyone else around me is working, so I feel the pressure to work. If everyone else is working, and I am on my phone, then that’s kind of embarrassing. It’s kind of a peer pressure to work.”
She added, “I used the study rooms with my friends to study for my upcoming test, and I felt that we were able to hold ourselves accountable.”
At the Community Learning and Technology Center, students are able to utilize the internet and use technology to complete assignments and activities. Outside of the center, the library provides the service to print in black and white or color. Students who need to finish an assignment or project can use this tool for a small fee of 15 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents per page for color.
Moreover, students can also attend the arts & crafts events at the library to relax a little after an intense study session. These activities offer a multitude of arts and crafts activities to create, ranging from origami to drawing, allowing for students to loosen up their minds and create something visually appealing and fun.
Although paid-tutoring is not allowed at APL, AHS students may struggle with homework at times. That is why APL accommodates students, offering free teen homework help. From a vast range of resources including scholarships, language learning assistance, and free academic paper citations, these resources allow for students to fully learn at their own pace and to their highest capabilities. Mango Languages is a free language learning program offered by Arcadia Public Library. Languages provided include Spanish, French, and Chinese, included with mobile phone compatibility. The Scholarships, Fellowships, and Loans pages on the APL page enable students to take some of the burden out of paying for college – applying for scholarships that offer education-related financial aid for all levels of studying.
Sophomore Conor Kaw said, “Arcadia Public Library holds a vast supply of resources on various subjects; it’s honestly amazing. I highly recommend going there to study or just checking a couple books out.”
Ultimately, the APL is an area of opportunity, allowing students to complete their homework while offering a safe haven of fun and festivities for students who want to blow off a little steam. Through taking advantage of the many enrichment opportunities from language learning to resourceful study rooms, AHS students can truly enjoy their study experience.