For the first time since the opening of Alisal in 1965 the library has been renovated. Though renovations were to begin this summer, work stalled and only recently was completed.

The library was supposed to be open by the beginning of the school year but it did not go as planned and opened between the week of September 20th. The renovations have improved the library. “It’s much more inviting and brighter, it’s not as dark as it was before and it looks much bigger,” said Mrs. Retzlaff, one of the librarians.

A series of changes have been made to the library. There is a new ceiling, new carpeting, and new books and magazines. “I think it’s good because the library was old and it was time for a change,” said junior Priscilla Medrano.

The library is functioning now; Students are able to check out books before and after school. Teachers are taking their students to the library to take the STAR test for their reading level and students can take Accelerated Reader tests after reading a book.

According to Ms. Cerda, the tutorial coordinator, there will be two types of after-school tutorials. The homework help is held in the library and students can work on their school assignments from 3-4 PM everyday, and get help from teachers and AVID tutors. AVID seniors will be able to get community hours for helping in the homework center as tutors. As for the new program, it is held in different classrooms focusing specifically in one particular subject, beginning with Biology. This particular tutorial is held Tuesdays and Thursdays in Mrs. Dickey’s room, 711. On Wednesdays it is held in room 707 with Mrs. Lelaideron, from 3-4 PM.

The end of the 2004-2005 school year was supposed to be the end for renovations to all of the school but it will be continuing next summer. “Next summer we will continue by putting in new shelves and bringing in more new books to the library,” said Retzlaff.

The library is many of the things that are being renovated on campus. In 2002, Alisal received nine million dollars in bond money for renovations, which has allowed the school to make the necessary repairs and to make the school a safer and better environment for students.