Library Hub Renovation: Amphitheatre Seating for Young Learners

Written by Gabriella Guthrie, ISP alumni class of 2024

At the International School of Prague, we believe that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. With learners from all backgrounds and neurotypes, it’s essential that our spaces reflect the care and flexibility our students need to thrive.

One such space, the Elementary School Library Hub, has seen an incredible transformation thanks to a student-driven initiative that reimagines how we accommodate focus, comfort, and accessibility.

Recognising that the current open design of the Library Hub was visually and auditorily overstimulating, especially for neurodivergent students, Ms. Farin Mendis, Learning Innovation Hub Teacher Librarian, proposed the installation of a custom-built amphitheatre seating area. This new setup will not only provide improved seating with lumbar support, but also help block out distractions and improve sightlines for presentations.

“Our ECF friends have very active bodies, they like to explore the world through movement and touch- and books are fantastically distracting. But if we want them to be able to focus on a story, then having a slightly more contained space will make that easier.”

Farin Mendis, Learning Innovation Hub Teacher Librarian

The design came directly from student behaviour - children often rushed to sit against the back wall for comfort, despite poor visibility and sound. Farin saw the need to rethink the space to maximise and use it to the best of its ability. Working closely with our Director of Educational Technologies and our Facilities Director, the team reached out to various suppliers, but importing suitable structures into the EU proved difficult. Ultimately, they turned to a local carpenter to create a solution that fits the space.

The back of the amphitheatre will also serve as shelving and display space, helping students discover books more easily and allowing the room to flow more naturally. Ms. Mendis notes that bringing in enough couches or chairs wouldn't help with the flow, but having tiered stadium seating allows for more students to have that back support at different levels.

As the project nears completion, Ms. Mendis added a heartfelt message:

“I would like to thank our donors for their support of the library, literacy, and love of books, and welcome them to come visit us.”

Farin Mendis, Learning Innovation Hub Teacher Librarian

This initiative not only reflects the needs and voices of our students, it also showcases ISP’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, learner-centred environments. Made possible through the generosity of our community to the ISP Fund, projects like this demonstrate how donor support directly enhances the daily experiences of our learners. It is thanks to this vital support that we are able to continually improve our learning environments to ensure that every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.

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