Beyond the shelves of books and multiple study areas of the McNicholas library, there are many details that many students are unaware of. With learning resources, clubs and almost 75 years of history, the library is much more than a place to check out books. Here are eight facts most probably do not know about the Robert Fanning library.
- Library history
Although McNicholas has been in session since 1951, the library moved to its current location when the new gym was built in 1970. The original gym, dedicated in 1953, was then renovated to house the theatre and the library. The upper deck of the library where the help desk is located is where the stage was placed. The bottom floor of the library and the theatre replaced the gym floor. The library is named for one of the first English teachers when the school became co-ed and transitioned from St. Joseph Academy to McNicholas High School.
The original McNicholas gymnasium was in the location where the theatre and library are currently located. Students are pictured playing basketball and practicing poise and coordination during a PE class.
- Library rules
Mrs. Chelsea Almer, the current McNick librarian, describes the library as a “community center,” and because of this, she expects respect to be shown to peers, and the facility as a whole, with noise level kept low, and no food or drink. The library is getting new carpet over winter break, so it is very important that everyone stay mindful of that and respect the no food or drink rule.
- Library hours
The library is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, on Thursdays from 2:40-3:30 p.m., the library is closed for Chess Club.
- Library organization
Like the majority of libraries, the McNicholas library uses the dewy decimal system. Nonfiction books are located on the stage or help desk portion of the library, and fiction books are located on the main floor of the library organized by the first three letters of the author’s last name. Here is an article provided by Mrs. Almer on how to navigate the dewy decimal system. https://sixthformstudyskills.ncl.ac.uk/dewey-decimal-system/
- Library resources
The library offers an assortment of online resources like databases and citation tools. For databases, citation tools, and research resources, visit the library group on Schoology.
- Library Makerspace
The Library Makerspace is in the room under the stairs to the independent study area. This space houses the Ellison and Cricut paper cutter machines, a 3D printer, a poster printer, and other “maker-y” items such as markers, construction paper, glue, scissors, etc. To use these tools, students need to get permission from Almer.
- Library aids
During a student’s junior and/or senior year, they have the opportunity to work in the McNicholas library. Junior library aid, Casey Fritsch said she checks books in and out, shelves books, and hands out detention slips when students have overdue items. Fritsch loves working in the library and said, “come work in the library, it’s so much fun.”
The Library Wall of Fame is a bulletin board in Almer’s office with pictures of both current and former office aids.
- Library work areas
In addition to collaboration tables on the main floor and stage, there are a number of silent, independent, and quiet collaboration work areas. On the main floor of the library students are invited to quietly talk with peers while doing work. Students who wish to work silently and alone can do so in the upper part of the library, where the singular desks are located. 
The independent study area is located on the upper level of the library for students who want to work independently in a quieter space than the main floor allows. Senior Maia Zeilman uses this space during her study hall to finish her work.
The McNicholas library is more than a place to borrow books. It is a place of collaboration, learning, creativity, and history. Whether it’s to check out a book, find a space to work on a group project, or a place to create, the library is there!
The McNicholas Milestone 