Library Renovation Project
The CHS library, located in the school’s former chapel and first classroom, is the oldest part of the physical campus, dating back to the early 1860’s. With the iconic chapel bell sitting at its peak, it serves as the soul of the campus - in fact, the bell bears the inscription “Let brotherly love continue.” While its physical footprint is small, as a home to activities that touch all members of the community, its impact across campus is far-reaching.
During the week, it is a school library, where the youngest students listen to read-alouds accompanied by the strumming of Librarian Erin Piper’s guitar. As spring approaches, the library is the site of the “Smash, Boom, Best” debates, in which fifth graders hone their research and oratorical skills by debating topics such as salty vs. sweet, cats vs. dogs, and pizza vs. pasta. Neighborhood meet-and-greets, past parent breakfasts, current parent events, and our admissions events for future Hawks are just a few examples of the activities that occur in the library at other points in the year.
The library is filled with historic charm, but the vintage space has not been renovated in 25 years. It is in need of a renovation that will preserve the space’s architectural details — like its classic dark wood-paneled walls — while also retaining its warmth and joy for its youngest inhabitants. The development team, in partnership with Head of School Rod MacNeal, Jr. and Librarian Erin Piper, set out to envision an upgrade that would make the library more vibrant and inviting so that visitors develop a love of reading and continue to feel the history and community that pervade the space. Thanks to the generosity of Eric and Lauren Stein, parents of Abigail ‘24, Jackson ‘27 and Levi ‘32, this vision is now becoming a reality.
“Reading and books and libraries and bookstores have been at the center of so many of our family milestones and memories. Supporting the CHS community with this renovation was a natural fit for our family and an easy decision to make given how access to a space and curriculum designed with such care by Ms. Piper will impact all our children in the best way possible for years to come. Being able to make this gift the same year our daughter graduated from CHS was particularly special, as her love of books is second to none. We're particularly excited to watch our sons enjoy the space and grow their own love of reading over the years to come.” - Eric and Lauren Stein P ‘24 ‘27 ‘32
The end result will be a new, flexible floor arrangement that creates cozy seating areas with child-sized upholstered chairs and ottomans for children to stop by and enjoy throughout the day. The furniture is custom-designed by TMC, a Michigan design firm that pledges to create sustainable and environmentally conscious furniture. New wooden bookshelves with unique tree cut-outs to mirror our beautiful campus surroundings will line the walls. The addition of two long window benches on either side of the library's historic doors will invite readers to sit alongside their peers as they share books and ideas. New rows of mobile shelving will be added to the center of the room, allowing for the flexibility to adapt it to special events in the curriculum.
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"I truly believe libraries are some of the most wondrous places to grow, create community, and find joy. I am so excited to see our library continue to be a special, welcoming, and beloved space for our young readers and look forward to even more opportunities for it to be a gathering place for the CHS community." - Erin Piper, Librarian
The project is currently in mid-stride. Over the summer, new carpeting and pendant lights were installed to highlight the architectural details and provide optimal light for reading and research. The walls were also painted in preparation for the new bookshelves. In December 2024, the custom bookshelves will be installed and the new upholstered lounge chairs and ottomans are due to arrive.
The Chestnut Hill School is profoundly grateful to the Stein family for their commitment and their generosity in funding this much-needed improvement to the CHS physical campus. Individuals who are interested in a gift of this nature are encouraged to contact Head of School, Dr. Roderick MacNeal, Jr.