Since 2015, Illinois has required all new and significantly renovated K-12 buildings to include ICC 500/FEMA-compliant storm shelters that can withstand winds up to 250 mph. It’s a critical requirement — but also an opportunity.

To celebrate Read Across America day, we wanted to highlight the current innovative trends that are bringing school libraries and media centers to LIFE. Once a quiet museum for books, school libraries are transforming to support the whole student.