Students heading to the library to check out books or finish assignments recently have been met with a jarring sight. The familiar, solid blue entrance that matched our school’s aesthetic has been ruined by a mismatched, grey metal door that stands out like a sore thumb against the hallway.
The change, which occurred around Monday, November 17th, caught everyone off guard, including the library staff themselves. According to the librarians, Ms. Allison and Ms. Parkinson, the replacement was completely “unexpected” and came as a total surprise to the staff on duty.
“It was not expected,” Ms. Allison noted regarding the sudden renovation. “It was a surprise.”
The work order originated directly from the school board rather than the school administration. While Head Custodian Mr. McKay is aware of the situation, the specific choice of replacement appears to have been outside the school’s immediate control.
The switch was made during ongoing maintenance. The original blue door had problems with noise for weeks, creating a distraction for students trying to study. The cause was probably a faulty hinge that finally gave way, needing an immediate switch. However, the solution has created some new problems. The “new” door appears to be significantly older than the one it replaced, having an industrial grey paint job with visible chipped paint, rather than the polished blue students are used to.
Beyond the visual issue, the replacement presents a functional challenge for students and staff. It features a completely different setup and handle style compared to the original, and many students have already noted that the new mechanism is “tough to use,” requiring a firm grip and a bit of struggle just to get inside.
Currently, the biggest question through the halls is whether this grey addition is here to stay. It remains unclear whether this “vintage” door is temporary until a proper one arrives or if it is intended to be permanent. There is also no word on whether the board plans to paint it to match the other door.
For now, the library remains open for “business,” even if getting through the front door takes a little more muscle and a lot more confusion than before.
THE NORTH STAR 