Welcome to the Avery Barras Library
The Upper School library is currently undergoing many changes. To design a dynamic information center that will meet the needs for all students, faculty and the community, it is essential to assess the existing physical environment and appropriate resources that will support the curriculum, literature enrichment and recreational reading for lifelong learning. The creation of flexible environments for many uses encourages users to be responsible for their learning while constructing personal meaning. Students need flexible workspaces for individual or group work. They need multiple seating configurations, a space for the production of all types of media and a quiet area. The changes that will unfold in the coming years cannot happen without the input of ideas from the learning community.
Today’s library configurations need to encourage conversation and collaboration among students. The digital society in which they are growing provides students with multiple tools for seeking, accessing and presenting information. Combined with information literacy skills, students will discover that the library is a place for learning and sharing. When students are encouraged to participate in the restructuring of their library, the outcome is a gained respect for the facility.
The Upper School Library Focus Group welcomes all students to be a part of the rebuilding process. We need student input for design, furniture, configuration, resources and décor. Please email Ms. Toth, the Upper School librarian, at mtoth@montclairkimberley.org if you would like to be a part of the focus group, or if you would just like to offer your ideas for consideration. Read any good books lately? Book reviews are needed for the library web site.
Head Librarian, Maurine Toth
Assistant Librarian, Patricia Kearns
