MDS Architecture completes renovation of Howell Road School library

Valley Stream, NY The Valley Stream 13 School District officially opened its new library at the Howell Road School on January 30, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together students, educators, district leadership, and project partners to mark a major investment in learning, literacy, and collaboration.

The project, designed by MDS Architecture, transforms the school’s library into a modern, flexible learning environment spanning 1,823 s/f. The design includes areas for learning, reading, and innovation, accommodating up to 26 students with mobile desks that can be easily reconfigured to support both small group work and full-class instruction.

The reading area has ample floor space for the younger kids to gather with colorful lounge and stool seating. The innovation area, shaped by a playful house-shaped structure, features a writable-surface table that encourages brainstorming and collaboration. Flexible ottomans within this space can be used as stools, rockers, or adapted in ways that allow students to engage creatively. Vibrant colors, tactile finishes, and varied textures were carefully selected to energize the environment and spark student imagination.

“We’re very proud of this project. We’ve transformed it into a place that is welcoming for the kids to feel comfortable socializing, learning and really just loving to learn,” said Michael Mark, president of MDS Architecture. “It's bright, it's inviting, it's colorful, the colors are very soothing. It's a place where they can socialize and interact with each other. For the teachers, we made educational spaces in the library that are flexible where they can migrate in one classroom at a time to take a field trip within their own building without ever leaving.”

The celebration included a student council greeting and performances by the school’s Color Guard and Drumline. A poem recited by several of the students highlighted the central role students played in the inspiration behind the project. 

“The library is a special place for any elementary school. It's a hub of the school. It's where literacy and learning take place, where all students are able to join together to celebrate a love of reading and to develop friendships,” said Dr. Judith A. LaRocca, Superintendent of Schools. “We know that students who develop a love of learning and specifically a love of reading have great outcomes later on in life. This new library can really set students on a pathway to increased and improved outcomes for the future.”

Also in attendance at the event was State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages.