The CHS library staff recently won a prestigious $17,500 grant from the Virginia Beach Education Foundation (VBEF) to help redesign the school’s library. Over the next few months, Librarians Mrs. Ludford, Mrs. Dember, and Mrs. Williams plan to make the library more modern and welcoming. The process to win the grant is long and tedious, including multiple written portions specifically and accurately describing what the money will be used for if won in great detail.

The CHS library won the largest possible grant from VBEF; additionally, only one or two schools in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) system including 45 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, and 11 high schools win a grant such as this each year. All of these schools apply for these grants every year, so for CHS to win the large grant it is a major accomplishment.

The library staff has already ordered new tables for the main area, which positively impacts the student body. The grant process has several steps so the VBEF can determine whether a school is worthy and ready to win the sum of money.

“The new tables are already promoting collaboration between students, and there is already a more energetic and upbeat atmosphere here,” Ludford said.

The librarians plan to improve the library even further, including more spaces for students to hang out, study, or relax. The library will also have brand-new furniture, games and activities for students to use.

According to Ludford, they want to replace all the old furniture and have already been in contact with Virginia Beach VBCPS’s furniture companies to find the best fit for a modern feel in the library.