Jasmine Bond spends her weekdays working two libraries in one room that are separated by a movable partition wall.

On one side, the Phoenix Public Library director teaches up to 10 classes of Coolidge Middle School students, who she said often ask questions about what’s beyond the wall. On the other side, she helps local residents print forms, request books and even pay their taxes.

After 4 p.m., the partition wall is taken down and anyone can use both sides of the library, as limited resources are shared through a partnership between the Phoenix Library District and South Holland School District 151. Bond joked that the only library facet they don’t collaborate on is the lights, as that bill can’t be split in half. The Library District pays the School District a fee to use the building,

See Full Page