Media center specialist Shannon Rose is excited about the future. And the present.

Rose looks forward to a new, fresh, clean space in the new media center, which will be located in the old Cyber Cafe space next to A hall on the second floor.

If everything goes according to plan, this media center will be open at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Expect to see updated features like a closed off area for podcasting, study spaces, new furniture, and more.

 There is going to be a lot of natural light shining in the room. In order to use the space creatively the use of movable shelves and the bookstore vibe is going to be included. 

While the future looks bright, Rose is also excited about the present. She spent most of last school year downsizing the media center to move from 10,000 square feet to the upstairs hall on the east side of the upper gym.

Although this was a big shift for all, Rose wants to know that students are still welcome to come eat lunch and read. The media teacher encourages you to come and use it as a secretive place.

“We want you to feel inspired, be creative, and use it as a learning hub,” Rose said.

Although there is a bright future to come for the new media room at Ben Davis High School there were also difficult times. Going to a 10,000 square feet media center and moving to a hallway was harsh.

There was a lot to be done before students came in. Rose had to do a lot of editing and most importantly figure out where to put everything.

With such limited space, it was difficult to see a vision. In order to make space for the books, she had to get creative with the shelving. One thing Rose noticed was that it was difficult for students to find her new space.

The current media center is not central, so it’s difficult for students to find time out of their day to come and check out books. There also is smaller capacity than the previous media center, but Rose says that should not deter students from seeking time in the media center.

Also to come in because of the capacity. The capacity is limited, so not nearly as many students could come in for lunch.

Rose said that although it was a huge change from last year, there are some things she enjoys.

“I like the coziness of this space,” she said.

She plans to keep some of the ideas she did. For example, the bookstore vibe. It helped her edit her collection and get rid of unnecessary things that weren’t circulating. 

At the end of this transformation Rose is proud of transforming the library into a hallway for temporary use. But she can’t wait for the future.