Burges H.S. Brings Students Into Library Through Music

The library is a place where you wouldn’t expect to hear singing, guitar strumming, or applause. After all, the library is the place where you aren’t even allowed to talk above a whisper.

But the rules are being broken at the Burges High School library. The one breaking them is the head librarian.

“There’s a lot of good talent here at Burges,” Avalos said.

She wanted to give the talent another stage. So she created “Music in the Library.”

Now, every other Wednesday during lunchtime, the library is filled with students tuning their instruments, warming up their voices, and hooking up a P.A. system.

“It’s a way that I can have fun,” 11th grader Amri Viruet said. “I can walk down the hallways and sing but then people would be like, why is she singing? But if I’m here and I sing it’s not a big deal.”

There are plenty of students who just go for the entertainment, like 10th grader Seahony Mack.

“I don’t think I’d get up there and do it myself,” Mack laughed. “They’re pretty brave to do that.”

Whether they’re going to sing or to support their friends, Avalos says her goal is being met.

“I want the kids to take ownership of the library,” she said. “I want them to feel comfortable, and a gateway towards learning as well.”

Mack said she wouldn’t really go into the library before Music in the Library. But since then, things have changed.

“I caught myself coming even when there was nothing going on,” Seahony exclaimed. “I like the library. My mind has expanded.”