W.O. Mitchell Learning Commons

The WOM School Council has set out to transform our outdated library into a vibrant, welcoming and versatile Learning Commons for students, staff and the community to enjoy.

Our goal is to create a space that:

Is welcoming and provides inclusive and equitable access to physical and virtual resources
Is reflective of the diversity of students/families in our community
Fosters student collaboration, inquiry and creation; engages students in hands-on/active learning
Promotes a culture of reading, literacy, and tech integration; merges digital and physical resources
Is flexible to meet the needs of individuals, classes, as well as the use of community groups
Allows for the opportunities to adapt over time as needs/uses evolve

Overall Project Cost: $68,000
Anticipated Completion Date: Spring 2026

Plans for the Learning Commons have been broken down into 3 phases that will be completed over the next three years.

Phase 1 - January - September 2024

Anticipated Cost: $15,500
Amount raised to date: $8,500

Status: In progress

Library floor plan

Phase 1 components include:

- Moving some book shelves for a more open floor plan and better flow of traffic

- Replacing all white book shelves around the library perimeter

- Converting the back corner of the library to a Maker Space. In Phase 1, this space will start with a Lego wall, a table and stools and a locking storage cabinet. Various loose parts have already been donated to get the space started.

lego wall, cabinet and wobble stools

- Removing the large furniture around the Reading Nook

- New rug and various soft cushions and seating options for the Reading Nook

chairs, rug and cushions

Phase 2 - Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

Anticipated Cost: $13,000
Amount raised to date: $0

Status: Not yet started

library floor plan

Phase 2 components include:

- Large mural painted on back wall

- Small table added to reading nook

table with plug

- Shelves removed from front of library and replaced with cushioned benches

bench with books and cushion

- Shelves removed from beside library technician desk and replaced with locking cabinets and display area

- Read-Around seating added

benches with books

- Additional Maker Space items including coding robots, STEM kits and animation camera

coding robots, camera, STEM items

Phase 3 - Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

Anticipated Cost: $40,000
Amount raised to date: $0
School Contribution: TBA

Status: Not yet started

library floor plans

Phase 2 components include:

- Luxury Vinyl plank flooring throughout

flooring tile

- Replace current rectangular tables with trapezoid tables, some with wheels, to allow for flexible space set up, and new chairs with ergonomic design and cushioning

two tables with kids sitting and a chair

two tables with kids sitting and a chair

- 3D printer and storage cart

3D printer and storage rack

If you are interested in making a direct donation to the Learning Commons project, you can do so by clicking the 'Donate' button below. Simply chose "Library Fundraiser" in the allotment drop down and not only will you be helping us to reach our goal faster, but you will also receive a tax receipt.

Thank you in advance for your support!

W.O. Mitchell ES