Books from the PHS library moved to new at Rogers High School

Exciting times are ahead. Books from the PHS library will be moved to new homes due to the closure of the PHS Library Science building. PHS will keep some library books on site, but the rest will be reallocated to other high schools, with the majority going to Rogers High School. 

Our long-term plan is to replace the Library Science building with a new one as part of a master plan for the PHS campus. As thoughtful stewards of tax-payer funds, we decided against investing in costly repairs for multiple systems that were failing within the building, amounting to millions of dollars in estimated repair costs. To compensate for the space loss, we will add six classrooms using three double portables on adjacent vacant property. This solution, the purchase of portables, is beneficial to our school communities, as the portables can support additional student spaces during future construction and additional projects.  

September will bring a pilot of a new electronic library ordering system, the Inter-Library Loan (ILL) program, which will expand access to books outside of PHS and benefit all PSD High School students. It is a clever and cost-effective way to expand library book collections and reduce the need to purchase multiple copies of the same book. Suppose one high school already has multiple copies of a particular book. In that case, another school will not need to purchase additional copies because they will be accessible to all students through ILL.  

Using the current Destiny Library System, students can search for a book. If the book is on-site, they can check it out right away. If not, they can request a "hold" and select a time to process the request. The book will then be sent from the library, where it is available to the students' school via rolling totes that are picked up and delivered daily via Food and Nutrition trucks. Once the book arrives, the librarian will notify the student for checkout.  

By expanding access to a district-wide range of library books, PSD hopes to increase library usage for all students. It is an exciting time for book lovers!  

We may see more creative learning environments popping up across our district as our buildings experience more wear and tear due to age and our growing enrollment. As it stands, PSD's current capital budget, the budget responsible for major maintenance, renovation, and construction projects, will run out in 2026 without any additional bond or levy funding.