Having attended Stamford High School, I remember the library as a quiet refuge—a place to read newspapers, escape the chaos of the cafeteria, or simply relax. However, stepping back into the space years later, I was surprised to find that little has changed. While the nostalgic card catalog and stacks of books have been replaced by digital tools, the library itself has not kept pace with modern needs.
This underscores an important issue: Stamford High’s library lacks the resources, space, and atmosphere necessary to inspire today’s students. Reading, research, and collaborative learning are fundamental to education, yet the library has not received the upgrades it desperately needs. That’s why the school is vying for a $40,000 grant from KI, a furniture maker in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to revamp its Library Learning Commons.
This initiative is part of KI’s third annual classroom furniture giveaway. Stamford High School’s finalist, Module Downer, who serves as the head of the school’s Fine Arts Department and is a member of the Beautification Committee, described the current state of the library and emphasized why this makeover is essential for the students’ academic success.
Stamford High is one of three finalists in a nationwide competition, going up against schools in Missouri and California. The grant would provide modern, flexible furniture and transform the outdated space into a dynamic hub for learning and collaboration. Winning, however, depends on community support through online voting, which is open until November 17.
The current library struggles to accommodate the school’s 2,000 students. Its decades-old wooden chairs are uncomfortable and stained, and there is insufficient seating for students who need a quiet place to work or relax. A redesigned library would include mobile bookcases, S-shaped couches, and flexible seating arrangements to create a more welcoming and functional environment.
This transformation is particularly crucial for Stamford High, which has a student body as diverse as the city it serves. With 50.2% of students identifying as Hispanic/Latino and a robust multilingual department, the library carries books and materials tailored to meet the needs of its culturally rich community. The makeover would also improve accessibility for students with disabilities, ensuring the space is inclusive for everyone.
Unlike Westhill High School, which is set to be entirely rebuilt, Stamford High does not have a comprehensive renovation plan on the horizon. That makes this grant even more critical. Students, staff, and alumni have rallied behind the initiative, with Stamford High’s business department students drafting preliminary designs and Senior Lola Duhov creating the video submission for the grant.
The proposed redesign would turn the library into a vibrant space for collaboration, individual study, and creativity. It’s an opportunity to provide Stamford High students with a library that not only reflects their needs but also inspires them to achieve their full potential.
Community members can help make this vision a reality with just a click. Voting is simple: Visit this link, scroll to the “Libraries” section, and vote for “Mrs. Downer’s Library Media Center - Stamford High School, Stamford, CT.” Make sure to complete both steps: click the initial submit button and then the second submit button to confirm your vote. Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. on November 17 (Central Time).
Let’s come together as a community to support Stamford High and give its students the library they deserve. A few seconds of your time could lead to decades of impact. Vote today and help Stamford High win the $40,000 grant!