libraries

The mission of the three school libraries reflects the philosophy of the Academy. Each school librarian promotes the enjoyment of literature, develops a collection of diverse information and ideas, provides instruction in the use, selection and retrieval of information and provides patrons with equal access to resources.

The three school libraries provide information environments balanced between print and electronic resources, with combined book collections of more than 50,000 volumes, rich reference collections, DVD and audio collections, deep print magazine archives, and a database selection serving all grades and subject areas, including Proquest Historical Newspapers, Encyclopedia Britannica, Gale's Science and History Resource Centers, Grolier Online Resources, Lexis Nexis Scholastic and JSTOR, and well as access to all POWER Library resources. Library software provides integrated 24-hour access to all three libraries' catalogs, databases and electronic resources for coursework.

Students are heavily involved in library programming and activities such as book discussion groups, providing volunteer hours, collection development input at the Senior School, and hosting school-wide events. The three school libraries also participate in community service projects, most recently initiating book drives for a local clinic, the Wilkinsburg public library and libraries in New Orleans. Parents log significant volunteer hours in all three libraries, and the Junior and Middle Schools host annual book fairs.

The librarians provide curriculum collaboration with faculty across the schools, grades and subject areas. The three libraries host annual author or illustrator visits, and the librarian-teachers also serve as faculty advisors, on faculty committees and perform faculty duties in accordance with their school.

All three libraries have a strong relationship with the EIN libraries in Allegheny County, particularly Laurie Ann West Library in O'Hara Township, as well as other school libraries in the area, and belong to the POWER library consortium. Two of the librarians serve on the Board of the Western PA School Librarians Association.

The libraries host laptop lending services and state-of-the-art projection technology, and the facilities provide meeting space, as well as technology access, for faculty and students.

Library Resources for All Three Schools

Junior School Library Teacher Page for Phyllis Guering