ASTORIA — The start of the school year at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy also marks the debut of the academy’s new library. 

Principal Elizabeth Reilly and Librarian Maura Hili worked over the summer to prepare the new space, located in the academy’s basement. They decided to rethink the library from top to bottom. 

The room has books, of course. But it also has comfortable couches, a play table, and shelves filled with toy trucks and art supplies. 

The idea is to reach the child who is not a lover of reading by letting them draw pictures or play with toys — in the hope that it can spark their curiosity enough for them to pick up a book, Hili explained.  

“To further the creativity of all of our children … I tried to put, like a little something extra on some of the shelves,” Hili said. “Maybe you enjoy reading, but maybe reading is not your favorite, and you love art. And I think when we show our kids connections with materials, that’s how they learn best.”  

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The academy’s library was formerly located on the second floor, but Reilly decided to move it because she felt it needed a larger space, which the basement classroom space offered.  

Over the summer, Reilly and Hili went through the old books and materials — throwing out anything outdated, like encyclopedias — and moving the rest down to the new library. Reilly said they donated more than 40 boxes of books to veterans and to children in need, as well.  

A lot of thought went into the decor, she added. Rather than a room filled with long tables, the library has couches and chairs that allow children to relax.  

 “We just thought about a space that all students, K-8, could use and feel comfortable in,” she said.