Pali’s library was declared unsafe by Los Angeles Unified School District officials and its entire prized book collection was thrown out following the Palisades Fire. Now, the rebuilding process is underway, but what the library will look like when it reopens is still uncertain.
Pali Librarian of 18 years Andrea King explained how Pali’s new library will be distinct from what it used to be.
“All the books have been taken away… They’re in a storage container,” she said. “They had to rip up all the carpeting, and we’re waiting to hear from insurance what money we’ll get so we know what we can purchase back.”
King added that the loss included the fiction and nonfiction collections, but also educational class textbooks. The lengthy process that went into recovering books for Pali was one of the school’s top concerns during displacement.
“The first priority was getting [students and teachers] textbooks… we were buying individual books, distributing them at my house, at the public library, and eventually at the [University High School] site,” King said.
Pali’s library is expected to reopen later this school year, highly contingent on insurance approval timelines according to Pali’s administrative staff. In the meantime, King has been overseeing the redesign of the library’s layout.
“If you had been in the library before, you’d have noticed I had already been changing it,” King said. “One of the things I didn’t like is I felt [like] students were on top of each other. I’m hoping I can spread tables out more, so everyone is more comfortable.”
Since the rebuild is happening in phases, the new space will now feature fewer shelves and more open work areas. King hopes to incorporate flexible seating types, including individual desks, smaller study stations and possibly the return of beanbag chairs, depending on space.
“I’d love to get some of those chair-desks where it’s just your space,” King said. “Something so that if you need to work by yourself, your table stays that way.”
On another note, student input will play a major role in restoring the library’s book collection. King plans to gather recommendations from book clubs, English classes and individual student readers before ordering new titles.
“My goal is to get the book clubs and kids on campus who are readers to give me their list… because it is [their] library,” King said.
One student who feels deeply connected to Pali’s library is senior Maya Bhasin.
“The library has always been my place to reset,” Bhasin said. “It’s where I do homework, meet with friends for projects or just take a breath during the school day.”
Bhasin said she hopes that the renovated space will better support different learning styles.
“Everyone studies differently,” Bhasin said. “Having different types of seating and more space makes a big difference. I think the rebuild could make the library feel more welcoming for everyone.”
In addition, King emphasized that while digital research has become increasingly central to student learning, the library remains essential– just in a different way, through promoting legitimate research tactics.
“[Students] find information in a second but don’t always know if it’s credible,” King said. “The library is about making sure you have the skills to know what’s real.”
When asked about her opinion regarding the new campus’ library, King expressed how the change to an informal space came with delightful surprises.
“When I got here, there was no space designated for the library. I had to go find my own space, and it turned out to be really great… I’ve really been happy with it. Mr. [Rafael] Negroe got me the bookcase facilities and supported us by getting some things, but it’s just been fun. It’s different.”
However, King said she was excited for students to return to Pali and its improved library next semester: “Honestly I just miss having students in here. They bring all the good stuff like questions and chaos, I can’t wait for that to come back.”
