When Crossroads Charter Academy first opened its doors back in 1998, the Library was on the second floor of the main building. The building itself had been built in the early part of the century, which presented some unique challenges later on.

The original library had roughly 5,000 volumes on the shelves when it opened. Later, when the Accelerated Reader Program was introduced, each one of those books had to be re-labeled to reflect the reading level and point values. The Library Committee formed in 2002 and was tasked with the remodeling of the library space. The circulation desk was relocated in the room, as were the books and shelves. It was at this time that we discovered that the original flooring of the building was not intended for the amount of weight we were putting on it with all of the books.

The solution was to ensure that the shelves did not extend more than a few feet from an existing wall. This put the least amount of weight on the center portion of the floor - which was the weakest point.

By 2006, the library now housed over 13,000 volumes and was quickly running out of shelves. Around the same time, discussions had started taking place about possible renovations, additions, etc. to the current building. After much discussion, the decision was made to renovate the space that previously housed the original Boy's Locker Room and turn it into a Library Media Center. This increased the amount of available space while, at the same time relocating the library to the first floor with a very strong cement foundation - eliminating our weight restraints.

On April 12, 2008, the big move took place. All of the books and furnishings were moved from the second floor to the new library. The new space featured custom-built oak shelves, circulation desk, magazine rack, tables, etc. all hand crafted by Mr. Ed Mallett and his father, Mr. Gordon Mallett. Although it took another two weeks to secure the occupancy permits, the library opened in time for students to enjoy it the last part of the school year.

Also during that time, the realization of a Reading Garden finally came to being! With benches built by the MOISD Career Center students and planter boxes built by teacher Jill Graetz's father, the garden started taking shape. In Spring of 2009, Mrs. Vandersloot's Gardening Club from the All-Star Academy took on the task of further enhancing the garden by adding plants, weeding, and edging the beds. The reading garden is enjoyed by many people for many different reasons. Students and faculty enjoy the space to read outside in good weather, classes can meet outside, parents enjoy the area for socializing while waiting to pick up students at the end of the day, and the list goes on.

We've been in the new facility for a complete year now and have never been happier with its function, the amount of light from all the windows and our Reading Garden! Each day finds new and exciting adventures taking place in the library....come join us!