Walk into the innovative learning center at Antioch Community High School and you’ll find more than just bookshelves and study tables. You will find a space alive with creativity, curiosity and connection, all thanks to the thoughtful vision and tireless efforts of ILC Director Kelly Taylor.
Taylor is redefining what a school library can be. At the heart of her work is deep collaboration with both teachers and students.
“We have tried to really increase the amount of things to get students curious and creative,” Taylor said, “so they are not just wanting to be on their phones.”
From interactive games and hands-on activities to a cozy coffee bar, every element of the ILC is designed to invite students in and keep them engaged. However, the goal is far beyond comfort; it is about cultivating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that inspires critical thinking and fosters community engagement.
Taylor’s support for the teachers has also made a major impact. She regularly creates LibGuides, curates resources for classroom use, and gives dynamic presentations on research and databases.
“Kelly has already given multiple book talks to English classes, and she put together an awesome presentation for my AP Seminar classes on databases and finding research,” English and AP Seminar teacher Lindsay Edwardson said. “I literally cannot believe how lucky we are to have Kelly as our librarian!”
The ILC is also home to the Library Advisory Board, a student-led club committed to community service, fun events, and promoting the ILC’s resources. For many students like freshman Maryrose Dadivas, LAB is more than just a club; it is a community.
“It seemed like a really welcoming place where I could meet people and make a difference… and it very much is,” Dadivas said.
Inspired by her older brother, who had been a LAB member, she joined right away.
“LAB is a club where kind, creative people work together to make a positive impact on the school and the community,” Dadivas said. “ It was one of the few clubs I was committed to joining right away when I first got to ACHS.”
As a LAB member, Dadivas is eager to contribute more.
“I hope to do more community service,” Dadivas said. “LAB has a lot of volunteering opportunities (like Bernie’s Book Bank and Feed My Starving Children) that I want to participate in. I am most excited for our Family Read-In Night!”
This night encourages reading and storytelling amongst the Sequoit community, where teachers and their families do fun activities and read books together.
Taylor’s vision centers on making the library a hub for accessing information, reading, collaboration, and creation. She is also deeply committed to supporting the school’s mission of developing six competencies in the ACHS portrait of a graduate, including critical thinking and embracing diversity.
