The security gates standing in their glory as they are the new talk of PC.

As half of you have seen and most of you have heard about - the library has new security gates. As the sign says "It is not a metal detector!” How it works is little metal strips are put into the books and the security gates will detect if a non-demagnetized strip is brought through the sensor. It then sets of a nice little alarm in the library telling the librarians that a book that hasn’t been demagnetized has gone through the gates. The gates also have a nice series of flashing lights. Very impressive!

The reason for the new security in the library is because on an average year, 300 to 400 books "walk off" from the library. The school doesn’t get these books for free. The library has to keep spending money on replacing the books. So in an effort to save money over time media invested in the new security gates. Park Center and Brooklyn Junior were the last schools in the district not to have security gates. The new gates are also a step towards bringing PC to IB (International Baccalaureate) level for the school's future.

Sorry I asked?

Also, if you haven’t noticed, media staff are attempting to re-route the traffic in and out of the library. They have blocked off the exit from the walk-in lab. This door is meant to be an emergency exit so please do not use this door. Plans to get an alarm bar for the door are in progress.

The funds for the security gates came from a special grant that Park Center Media received from the district to prepare the library for the IB program that will be implemented starting next school year. Money has been set aside for books and other media equipment. Also, as a note to students, don't go through your entire PCSH career without utilizing the media center. The library is a great resource! When teachers give any kind of project, head to the library. The library has plenty of resources to make that 'A' project. For instance, did you know our library has video editing? Just ask the friendly librarians for any resources you may need throughout your PC career - they are always willing to help!