It is quite common these days for prep schools to
require every student to bring his/her own laptop. Prep schools are NOT inner city daycare centers. They are
very expensive learning options for the lucky few. (Hopefully they are learning options...)
Libraries in high schools are not (unfortunately) for bibliophiles. They are either for meeting with friends or for research for school papers. Only a few kids will use them because of a love of books or reading. Sad but true. So in a school of 400 students, lets say that this means 3-4 kids at most. Changing the library into something that the other 396 students will use more often makes sense. Personally, I do much more reading in Starbucks than in the library.
As for getting rid of the books? No... I think being surrounded with books is a lovely feeling. I like libraries. I've always wanted a dedicated library in my house. One with a rolling ladder. But I don't read paper books any more. I read my Sony 505. I don't NEED a library. I just want one. But I'm 62. I didn't grow up with a computer, game boy, play station, I-pod, etc., in my room or in my pocket. School kids today do grow up with them. I used to cut school and go to the library (or the pool hall) when I was in high school. Today kids cut school and go to the video arcade. Times change.
The students at this prep school are getting a modern education based upon modern concepts. (Actually, pretty rare for a prep school. Usually they are the last bastions of tradition!) But I think that if they are removing the library completely that they need to issue each student with an e-book reader instead, not just have a handful for the occasional use. With each student having personal computers in their rooms for downloading and printing research materials, the e-book readers become a convenient way to read for pleasure and learning.
How's that for mixed feelings!
Stitchawl