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The FCHS Media Center (also known as “the library”) is more than just books. It has a number of hands-on activities students can enjoy. “There’s shrinky dinks, [which are] these hard, plastic things. You put them in the little oven and watch them shrink. Kids really seem to like this,” said FCHS librarian Shannon Taylor.

Another creative option for students who want to be creative and take a break from schoolwork is the origami table, which has different colored papers for students to choose from. This is just one of many hands-on activities in the Media Center. “You can make some origami. There’s games, puzzles, and we have chess. We also have different drawers, so you can make bracelets,” said Taylor.

FCHS students can use some of their library time to flip through past yearbooks. Whether you’re looking for photos of a friend from a few years ago or graduation photos of a parent, there are plenty to look through. “It’s pretty cool because they go all the way back to the 40’s,” Taylor said.

Some students come to the library for quiet study time. The librarians do their best to make sure the area remains quiet and cozy for students. “I like the library [because] it’s such a comforting environment. It doesn’t feel like a prison. It’s really nice,” said senior Reese Yowell.

The bottom floor of the Media Center has the most hands-on activities, but new students, in particular, may not realize that it has an upstairs as well. “There are plenty of games and puzzles for students. There’s lots of things [on the 3rd floor]. Upstairs, there isn’t much, but you’ll probably find a little something. People come for the games, but I think the books are great too,” said Taylor.

The Media Center also has 3D printing pens. [Look for 3D-printed ducks and other items decorating the counters.] You can go from a random idea to holding a completed object in your hand in just hours. You can check out what is in the Media Center before school or by asking your teacher if you can write a Securly pass to visit there during class.