Key players in Victor Scott's new library raised $17,294 to modernise the resource centre.

The Byron-Stephenson Library is the final product of Principal Esme Trott's goal to expand and modernise the school's resources.

The facility is named after Deputy Principal and reading instructor, Dr. Freda Byron and retired teacher Helene Stephenson -- who taught at the school since 1976.

Dr. Byron, who has taught at the school for the past 22 years, spoke with Young Observer about the library.

"I think its going to have a major impact on the school and on the community.

We are hoping the library will be a community library to parents and residents.'' she said.

"We also hope to have it hooked up to the internet.'' Victor Scott has internet access through one computer already but hopes to expand for easier student access.

Dr. Byron said the library is not fully operational as yet because classes must go through an orientation period first.

"The classes will have the opportunity to visit and they will have an introduction to it and familiarise themselves with the Dey-Decimal system.'' she said.

The Dey-Decimal is a catalogue system used to classify books by topic/number.

"Eventually, we hope to be able to gain the same information from the computer.'' said Dr. Bryon, who is looking to developing a system like CedarBridge Academy's extensive library.

She also expects the library to be constantly growing and changing because books have a limited life expectancy.

"Some books have a short life expectancy. Soft covers, for instance, last shorter than hard cover books.

"The library will have to be an ongoing programme to make it current with everything that's going on.'' she said.

And school officials managed to keep the libraries name a secret from Dr.

Byron during its creation.

Dr. Bryon said: "I had no idea -- it was the best kept secret. It was a beautiful occasion.'' There was a poster covering the door sign so when Dr. Bryon worked on the project with other teachers, she never knew.

The Byron-Stephenson benefited from the hard work of librarian Jennifer Grant who made all the calls and similar work while Ms Trott, the school principal, lead the initiative.

To date, Victor Scott has raised $17,294 for the library through a golf tournament, Hamilton Rotary Club raffle, grub days, international dinners, PTA donations and public appeals.