The Warde Library ... Then and Now

It seems just about everybody has access to the Internet these days, whether it be at home, at the library, or even at work. Most of our research, communication, and even shopping can be done rather easily with the click of a mouse. Take a look at the Warde library today!

We grew up in an entirely different world, though. I'm sure you recall spending a lot of time in the Andrew Warde High School library when we attended the school in the 1970s. As we tell our children today, we didn't have the luxury of computers, the Internet, or email when we were youngsters. We did all our research by looking through card catalogues, the Readers Guide to Periodical Literature, or by making telephone calls on our rotary phones.

Consider the following entry from the 1976 Flame yearbook: "The library at Warde can be described as a learning and research center. In addition to the books and the massive periodical section, the library provides a wide selection of maps, filmstrips, records, and tapes. These materials have always proved invaluable aids to students involved in independent or group research."

Can you imagine? Maps, filmstrips, records, and tapes. In today's world, maps are outdated almost instantly. As for directions, forget copying everything from a map. Just log on to mapquest and print the directions. Don't you remember trying to loop one of those archaic filmstrips around one of the reels before we played it? It always seemed as though we had a problem with a filmstrip, too. As for records, how many of you still have any 45s or LPs in your home? Better yet, do you still own a record player? I do, and I'm quite proud of it.

Today's students at Warde are equipped with do-it-all cell phones, digital cameras, ipods, and just about any piece of high-tech equipment imaginable. Not so in our days at Warde. What did we have? Read on:

"The Media Center provides Warde students with an outlet for diverse methods of self-expression. The facilities, which have grown considerably over the years, can be used by students and faculty to complete work on projects, which can be either classroom assignments or individual undertakings.

"Slides, transparencies, videotape machines, periodicals, cameras, and movie equipment are all available. Students can also use the Media Center's audio visual equipment to improve their operating skills."

Slides. Transparencies. Videotape machines. Has it really been over 30 years since those were luxuries in our high school library and media center? I wonder what the Warde library will look like 30 years from now. Hmmmm.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film."