Holy Spirit modernizes its media center
Brule family replaces old books, computersBy LISA M. HOFFMANN,Staff Writer
NORWAY - Students and teachers at Holy Spirit Central School are utilizing the school's newly renovated media center made possible by David and Elsa Brule.
School principal Ebie Stack said the project was started last year when a number of school library books were recycled.
The center now has new books on the shelves, a large screen television, science, maps, DVDs and a new up-to-date religious section.
The computer room and the library were carpeted and repainted. Electrical modifications were made to protect the technology equipment.
Elsa Brule said opportunity after opportunity presented itself, and it resonates with her and her husband, David, to support education. David and Elsa Brule of Iron Mountain and New York have helped out the libraries at North Dickinson County School and Iron Mountain schools.
"From the college level to the littlest person, a book in a child's hand starts the process. You become very aware of the need," Elsa Brule said. "When I look at our area, any opportunity to help kids is the single most important thing we can do. In this case of Holy Spirit, knowing Ebie and our interest with children's books and my belief that kids need the newest, latest and brightest ... they want to read what is new and happening today. If we make that available and excite them, it's a hit or miss. We have to validate their interest."
Elsa Brule said the new center creates a more bright, cheerful environment for children and reading. She is hoping families will consider the school library as an option for children to check out books to read.
"If it's available for that child in the library environment, they can look at it, check it out and bring it back," Elsa Brule said.
Students helped Elsa Brule pick out the new books. An inventory was done and books such as Johnathan Rand and the Nancy Drew series were chosen.
"She was in tune to what the kids were into, too," Stack said. "It's really a good learning center with books, audio technology and just a great center."
Stack added that new or non-fiction books still keep coming in.
"A school library can never have too many new books," Elsa Brule said.
In the new center, students can cross-reference, work on the computers and read books. The center give students access to multi-level research opportunities.
It also offers support to teachers for their daily teaching endeavors.
Stack said the center is creating a magical atmosphere wrapped around books.
"It gets minds working and tickles their imagination. It's a world of mystery, fact," Stack said. "The books kids took out most were non-fiction. They really love the non-fiction."
Holy Spirit Central School in Norway is for students in preschool to eighth grade.
Lisa M. Hoffmann's e-mail address is lhoffmann@ironmountaindailynews.com
