The Bermuda College’s academic library has been transformed into a “third space” for student engagement, according to the institution’s 2024 Annual Report.

The college said the space continues to grow, with a series of social events over the past year expanding benefits.

It came as the institution averaged 2,000 visitors per month, with peak usage in October, November and February.

The college said: “By offering a neutral, low-stress environment and opportunities for social connection, libraries provide a crucial space for students and faculty to meet social and academic needs beyond their formal obligations.

“This past year, the Bermuda College library fully embodied this role, thriving as the vibrant heart of our campus.

“It became a buzzing hub where the quiet focus of research meets the energy of collaboration, creating a true third space for connection and inspiration.”

The college said it was designed to reinforce connectivity, transforming its services into “dynamic experiences that are particularly vital for first-generation students”.

In March, the library officially launched “The Idea Lab,” designed for media production and digital fluency while fostering creativity.

It said between last October and March this year, staff acquired and installed equipment to support animation, video podcasting and hands-on instruction.

“The result was a dynamic space that immediately began attracting interest and engagement,” the college said.

Students from public and private high schools toured the space and participated in demonstrations, receiving exposure to digital content creation while strengthening their ability to critically evaluate sources of information.

Over the past year, student academic development remained a focus, with a 114 per cent increase in information and digital literacy skills compared with 2023-24.

The college said outreach extended to students in their penultimate year from Warwick Academy, Somersfield Academy, Chatmore British International School, The Berkeley Institute, The Bermuda Institute, Saltus and CedarBridge Academy.

The students were offered guided tours of the library and engaged in hands-on learning activities such as mind mapping, animation, video editing, navigating online research databases and analysing social media algorithms.

Through its Signature Taster Programme, the library also engaged middle-school students in interactive sessions on information literacy, careers in libraries and how library services support academic and career goals.

The college said its library saw continued growth in overall student engagement, with students increasingly accessing technician support, digital learning tools and remote research databases.

In March, the library launched the Popcorn and a Show series, screening documentaries that explored equity, social change and underrepresented histories.

It co-hosted a TeenTober horror movie night in October 2024, encouraging social connection and student led engagement.

For Women’s History Month this year, the library screened Fly With Me; a documentary on the role of female flight attendants in the US civil rights movement.

On social media, the library’s digital communication efforts continued to grow, with a 9.29 per cent increase in Instagram followers.

The platform was used to promote library events and services, share academic resources, and highlight book spotlights and fun facts.

It also encouraged student interaction through quizzes and research support links.

“These efforts increased visibility and improved access to library services, contributing to higher engagement in research appointments and programming,” the college said.

The library hosted a series of public and campus events fostering inclusive dialogue and community connection.

It said feedback from an April 2024 survey showed that 80 per cent of students used the library weekly, primarily for research, socialising at the café and group study area.

The Bermuda College Library is open to the community. Membership is necessary to borrow materials and access online resources, however.