A New Chapter for a Famous Library
By: Mr./Ms. Johnson, 5th Grade Teacher
Earlier this week, on a sunny Tuesday in May, something exciting happened in the world of books and learning. One of the most famous libraries in the United States, the New York Public Library, announced a big change. For the first time in over 110 years, they are removing some old, heavy books from their famous main reading room to create more space for people.
The New York Public Library is a giant, beautiful building with stone lions guarding its entrance. Inside, the Rose Main Reading Room is like a cathedral for books—it’s enormous, with high painted ceilings, long wooden tables, and soft green lamps. For more than a century, this room has been filled with over 40,000 reference books. Reference books are big, thick volumes like encyclopedias and dictionaries that people used to look up facts before the internet. Librarians would wheel them around on special carts to readers who requested them.
However, the library leaders noticed a change. With the rise of computers, tablets, and reliable online sources, fewer and fewer people were physically opening these heavy books. The books, while full of knowledge, were taking up miles of shelf space that could be used differently. The library decided it was time to adapt, or change to fit new needs, while still honoring its history.
So, what’s happening now? This spring, workers will carefully begin removing most of these reference books. They won’t be thrown away! Instead, they will be moved to a safe, state-of-the-art storage facility in New Jersey. “State-of-the-art” means it’s the most modern and best kind of storage, with perfect temperature and humidity to preserve the books forever. If a scholar or student really needs one of these specific books, they can request it, and it will be delivered to the library within a day.
The newly opened space on the shelves will be used for a brighter, more welcoming purpose. The library plans to create more room for visitors to sit, study, and use their laptops. They will also display new books, popular novels, and interesting exhibits right in the reading room. The goal is to make the grand room feel less like a silent museum of old books and more like a busy, modern hub for everyone—students, tourists, writers, and anyone who loves to learn.
This change shows us how important places like libraries are in our communities. They are not just buildings with books; they are living centers that grow and change with the times. Long ago, libraries were quiet places to read paper books. Today, they are places where you can borrow an ebook, attend a robotics workshop, get help with homework, and yes, still read a wonderful paperback novel. The New York Public Library is making sure it remains a helpful resource for the next 110 years. It’s a reminder that how we find information changes, but our need for knowledge and community spaces does not.
The library’s famous motto, carved in stone, is “To Enlighten the People.” By creating more space for people, they are continuing to do just that.
Part 1: Vocabulary in Context
Understand and use these words based on the article.
1. Reference (noun) – A source of information, like a dictionary or encyclopedia, used to find facts.
Sentence from the article: “For more than a century, this room has been filled with over 40,000 reference books.”
Your turn: Write your own sentence using the word reference.
2. Adapt (verb) – To change something to fit a new situation or use.
Sentence from the article: “The library decided it was time to adapt, or change to fit new needs, while still honoring its history.”
Your turn: Write your own sentence using the word adapt.
3. Preserve (verb) – To keep something safe and in good condition for a long time.
Sentence from the article: “‘State-of-the-art’ means it’s the most modern and best kind of storage, with perfect temperature and humidity to preserve the books forever.”
Your turn: Write your own sentence using the word preserve.
4. Facility (noun) – A place or building built for a specific purpose, like a storage facility.
Sentence from the article: “Instead, they will be moved to a safe, state-of-the-art storage facility in New Jersey.”
Your turn: Write your own sentence using the word facility.
5. Resource (noun) – Something that provides help, support, or information that people can use.
Sentence from the article: “The New York Public Library is making sure it remains a helpful resource for the next 110 years.”
Your turn: Write your own sentence using the word resource.
Part 2: Reading Comprehension
Choose the best answer for each question. Circle the letter.
1. When did the New York Public Library announce its big change?
A. Last year
B. On a Tuesday in May earlier this week
C. Over 110 years ago
D. Next spring
2. What is the main reason the library is removing many old books from the reading room?
A. The books were damaged and falling apart.
B. To create more space for people to study and use new materials.
C. They are building a new library in New Jersey.
D. The lions at the entrance needed more room.
3. What will happen to the old reference books that are removed?
A. They will be thrown away.
B. They will be sold at a book fair.
C. They will be stored in a modern, safe facility and can be requested.
D. They will be given away to visitors.
4. According to the passage, how have libraries changed over time?
A. They have gotten much quieter.
B. They only have paper books now.
C. They have become living centers that offer many services, like workshops and digital books.
D. They are no longer important for learning.
5. What does the library’s motto, “To Enlighten the People,” most likely mean?
A. To turn on the lights for people.
B. To make the building brighter.
C. To teach and provide knowledge to everyone.
D. To only help scholars and students.
Part 3: Short Answer and Discussion
Answer in complete sentences.
1. In your own words, describe the Rose Main Reading Room.
2. Why do you think the author calls libraries “living centers”?
3. Do you agree with the library’s decision to remove the old books? Why or why not?
Answer Key and Grading
Part 2: Reading Comprehension Answers
- B. On a Tuesday in May earlier this week
- B. To create more space for people to study and use new materials.
- C. They will be stored in a modern, safe facility and can be requested.
- C. They have become living centers that offer many services, like workshops and digital books.
- C. To teach and provide knowledge to everyone.
Part 3: Sample Answers
- The Rose Main Reading Room is a huge, beautiful room with very high painted ceilings, long wooden tables, and green lamps. It used to hold over 40,000 big reference books.
- The author calls them “living centers” because they change and grow with the times. They are not just for old books anymore; they offer ebooks, workshops, homework help, and community events.
- Answers will vary. Possible answer: Yes, I agree because it makes the library more useful for people today. The books are still saved and can be used if needed, but now there is more space for studying and new technology.
