On Tuesday, January 30, Chelsea High School students and staff welcomed district personnel and city officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the redesigned and redeveloped CHS Library! 

CHELSEA, Mass. – Adorned with new furniture, spaces for group work and quiet study, technological improvements and most importantly a treasure trove of books, the newly redesigned library at Chelsea High School was on display during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning.

Students and staff were joined by local officials for a special ceremony that celebrated the completion of a months-long project to renovate and redesign the space. The ribbon-cutting included a brief speaking program that featured Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta, City Councilor at Large Leo Robinson, School Committee member Dr. Sarah Neville and CHS Principal Obed Morales.

“CHS’ library renovation provides a modern working space for our students, staff, and community. This project was realized as a result of the commitment from the City of Chelsea and the Chelsea Public Schools to invest in our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for the continuous support extended from the entire community,” commented CHS Principal Obed Morales.

Construction started immediately after the 2022-23 school year ended, and was completed in the fall of 2023. Students gained access to the new library prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and have been enjoying the new amenities during the 2023-24 school year.    

When you walk into the redesigned space, the Circulation Desk is immediately on your left and you are greeted with long bookshelves immediately in front of you. One corner of the library features a completely redesigned space that includes high-top chairs at a countertop that peers into a large window overlooking the cafeteria. A series of new windows the rest high above the furniture below combined with the view of Memorial Stadium in the back bring in more natural light than ever before, creating an incredibly welcoming space.

"I am extremely grateful to all who made the renovation possible.  The library has been bustling with students and staff frequently enjoying the space.  I have received many positive comments from patrons who love the comfortable seating options, the improved lighting, and the open concept of the space.  The best part is that book checkouts have increased since we opened," commented CHS Librarian Trent Bordok. 

One of the main priorities of CPS’ Strategic Vision is ensure that student learning and instruction is supported by effective systems and school operations. The redesigned library provides students at CHS with a multitude of educational resources (digital, print and more), an area that allows both collaborative work with classmates as well as a location for quiet studying, and a space where they can be comfortable to learn.