Students, staff and community members came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Memorial Palermo Learning Commons on Tuesday, September 21. Guests were treated to a tour of the new space and a special presentation by Librarian Lisa Hubler, Memorial Principal Lori Sandel and Language Arts teacher Mark Barnes. Students from the Memorial orchestra played while attendees toured the new space, and the Jewels offered a few words on how they have benefited from the new learning commons.

The new learning commons was a result of Librarian Lisa Hubler winning an $11,250 Library Services and Technology Act mini grant, which is awarded by the State Library of Ohio through The Institute of Museum and Library Services. SE-L was one of seven Ohio libraries and the only public school to be awarded this grant.

The grant was used to renovate the library over the summer to transform it into a learning commons with the goal of it becoming an academic hub for students, staff and the community.