On Monday, students throughout Benicia will be returning to school, but nearly 2,000 outdated books in Benicia High School’s library will not be joining them. Over the summer, Benicia Unified School District officials and student volunteers weeded certain books out of Benicia High’s collection, and the school board will be voting to declare these books as well as library furniture to be obsolete when it reconvenes from its summer break on Thursday.

   According to the school board agenda, BHS has 14,314 books in its collection. The district went through a process to remove approximately 1,930 items which were either in poor condition, had information that was no longer relevant or were available online through Benicia High’s current database. The books will be donated to either the Benicia Public Library or Benicia High art classes for future projects. Student volunteers assisted with the process for three days, and a Benicia Public Library representative provided consultation. 

   “All decisions were made with the intent to provide the most welcoming and useful school library possible for our students,” the district wrote.

   Additionally, the district noted that certain furniture in Benicia High’s library was more than 30 years old with some items being broken or damaged. 

   “We seek to bring in newer furniture that will allow for a more comfortable experience for our students and the ability to use the space in a variety of ways – truly as a media center and learning space,” the district wrote.

   The board will be voting to adopt a resolution to declare the books and equipment to be obsolete as part of the consent calendar.

   In other matters, the board will hear a report on summer programs from Dr. Leslie Beatson, assistant superintendent of education services, and Dr. Carolyn Patton, director of student services. Roxanne Egan, Measure S bond director, will also be providing a quarterly update on the bond projects, and the board will be voting to approve a provisional internship permit for Katelynn Burmark to teach art and art history at Benicia High.

   The board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 in the Benicia Unified School District Board Room at the district building on 350 East K St. There will be an earlier closed session at 6 p.m.

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