Learning beyond the classroom
The libraries at Spence are at the center of the school community, providing opportunities for reading and research, whether it’s in support of classroom work or simply to explore a particular area of interest. Each library offers a comfortable, stimulating and supportive learning environment. Surrounded by books and other resources, students gain a lifelong appreciation of reading and researching as sources of both pleasure and personal growth.
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In the Lower School Library, the younger students attend a weekly library class in which they learn to find and use information from both print and computer—based resources. Learning activities are integrated into the curriculum to help students develop strategies to access, identify, evaluate and use information in all content areas. Part of each library class is devoted to helping students choose books to read for personal enrichment.
The Middle and Upper School library provides access to materials that encourage learning beyond the classroom, including a wide variety of books, magazines, journals, videos, newspapers; online academic information services such as Proquest, JSTOR, Follett, Questia, and Gale; and access to the collection of the New York Public Library and associated research libraries. Spence librarians work with students individually and in classes to develop sound research skills.
Literature is explored throughout all grades with read-alouds, displays and book discussions. In addition, librarians guide students in choosing pleasure reading and prepare extensive age—appropriate reading lists. By learning to locate and use information as well as developing a love of reading, Spence students become lifelong learners.
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Directed by the Spence motto, "Not for school, but for life we learn," students master increasingly sophisticated research skills in a rapidly evolving world. Through their work in the library, students use the full scope of Spence resources available, gaining confidence to conduct successful research well into the future.