Library

What does a bear eat? Can you find a story about a mermaid? What is the Tour de France? What did people eat in the Middle Ages? These are some of the questions asked in the library of The Meadowbrook School. Using the computerized catalog to access the 15,000+ books, reference and media materials, the children learn the skills needed to find the information to answer these questions. Books related to each unit of study are circulated to the children's classrooms.

We strive to achieve for each student the goal of information literacy - the ability to find and use information- which is the keystone for lifelong learning.

Each class of students is scheduled into the library for a half hour per week. Students in all grades hear stories that are chosen to coordinate with the units of study in their classrooms, learn to use the library resources and choose books for their assignments and their reading pleasure. Students are introduced to classic and contemporary children's literature with the goal of developing an appreciation for fine writing and illustrations and of encouraging children to become life long learners and readers.

Philosophy

We believe the library is a resource center for the students, faculty, and school community which attempts to provide books and other materials to meet the information and reading needs set forth in the school's curriculum as well as the interests of the students for pleasure reading and information pursuits. We strive to achieve for each student the goal of information literacy - the ability to find and use information- which is the keystone for lifelong learning. The librarian is an advocate of reading both for pleasure and information and therefore models the importance of a lifelong interest in reading and independent learning.

Goals

To encourage reading for pleasure as well as for assignments, browsing and book exchange are a part of the library time for all grades. Students may also exchange books before and after school and at recess time. The number of books a student may borrow at any one time increases with grade level. The necessity for cooperative behavior, the proper care of books, the fact that books must be returned before additional books may be borrowed, and any other "library rules" are reviewed in age appropriate ways at the beginning of each year and reinforced as needed throughout the year.