Library renovation moves toward student-led SOLE model

Isaiah Flowers, BAM Reporter • May 15, 2026

A team of students is currently collecting data to determine how the current library space could be transformed into a Student Organized Learning Environment (SOLE).

The high school is getting ready for a large-scale renovation of its library, but the blueprints are not coming from architects; they are coming from the students.

The project goal is to transform the current library into a Student Organized Learning Environment (SOLE), a space designed to support student-driven exploration. Led by librarian Kim Garee and mentored by Steve Krak of Denison University, a team of students is currently collecting data to determine how the space should be reorganized.

“We are actually still in the brainstorming process after collecting our data,” sophomore Evie Gibson said. “So we basically have a huge jumble of ideas currently, nothing clear cut yet!”

The research team has been interviewing and surveying both teachers and students, sometimes offering donuts in exchange for interviews. The goal is to find an intersection between what helps teachers work and what helps students learn most effectively.

Sophomore Tripp Miller said the data shows a high demand for practical resources.

“A lot of people really wanted hands on stuff, like things to build or things to help with science projects or labs,” Miller said. “Right now we are just brainstorming ideas for the space and categorizing all the data.”

While the aesthetic changes will include new furniture and the removal of a large reference desk, Garee said the shift is more than just visual.

“The library should be the hub of the school, the first place you think to go for if you need information or help, tools or resources, a place to enable whatever you’re up to,” Garee said. “It’s not MY library, it’s OUR library.”

The renovation is supported by a grant from the Granville Education Foundation. The student team is scheduled to present their formal recommendations to high school principal Scott Hinton and the district superintendent Jeff Brown on May 22.

Garee said she is looking forward to the reveal of the final plan.

“I’m most excited to say that I don’t know what this will even look like, and I love that,” Garee said. “I hope it looks like what Granville High School’s library should be.”

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About the Contributors

Isaiah Flowers, BAM Reporter

I am a sophomore at Granville High School who is interested in writing and music, specifically guitar and keyboard. I also like playing soccer.

Henry Miles, BAM Reporter

Henry Miles is a senior and first year BAM member. His previous journalistic experience includes time as a Senior Correspondent and photographer for The American Legion Buckeye Boys State Hetuck as well as photography work in the Columbus underground music scene. He plays the trombone in the GHS Wind Ensemble and the Blue Dukes jazz group. This past year, he served as Field Commander of the Granville High School Marching Blue Aces.