Oak Knoll’s Hope Memorial Library in the Upper School and the Bonaventura Hall Library in the Lower School offer a spectacular selection of reading and resources for students. Upper School Librarian Elinor Takenaga and Lower School Librarian Betty Castello are experts at pointing students toward age-appropriate casual reading and material that supports classroom projects. In addition to tens of thousands of books, online academic research databases, magazines, and newspapers ensure our students can turbo-charge their passion for learning and their pure enjoyment of the written word.
Just a few weeks before the close of school, Takenaga spearheaded a series of field trips to the local Summit library so that students could receive their public library card and tour the facility to investigate its resources. They discovered that many local libraries now go way beyond offering written resources that students and their families can use over the summer for recreation, college planning, passion projects, and much more. Open the doors to your local library, and you may discover some quirky and welcome surprises.
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The role of libraries continues to expand. Many these days house a library of “things” members can check out or use in person, like 3-D printers, sewing machines, indoor and outdoor games, and power tools. Why not collaborate with siblings, parents, caregivers, or the whole family in tackling a fun project-based assignment over the summer months to push back the infamous summer learning slide?
A library card is a ticket to so many surprises. In Summit, NJ, for example, members can check out a bird-watching kit, a compound microscope, a croquet set, a Giant Jenga game, a light therapy kit, a power washer, a metal detector, a mobile hotspot, and more. These are in addition to all the standard options you might expect from a library, like books in print, audiobooks, DVDs, graphic novels, comic books, magazines, music, and picture books for children.
Regardless of their family’s economic status, a library card should be a must-have for any student. Why not check out one of the dozens of SAT, PSAT, or ACT test preparation books and sample tests rather than ordering from Amazon and contributing to the carbon footprint of delivery? Take advantage of inter-library loans to access that rare research book your school library can’t find. Prepare for the school talent show by borrowing a Ukelele Kit and Quick Start Guide. Further avoid the summer learning slide by participating in your local library’s summer reading program, or see if they sponsor a book club for various age ranges.
Learners of all ages should familiarize themselves with the many free workshops, programs, and seminars your library will likely offer throughout the summer and school year. Use online language instruction programs to prepare for your summer vacation. Need a Notary Public or access to a fax machine, scanner, or copier? You will likely find one at your local library.
If your work/school location has a more extensive library than your home location, you might find that working or studying in a district qualifies you for a courtesy library card. In Summit, the library issues courtesy cards to non-resident students attending local public schools and private schools. The library requires the student to provide proof of attendance to obtain the card. Cards issued to non-resident students are valid for one year. Adults who work in Summit also qualify for courtesy cards.
So take a trip to a nearby library and see what surprises await!
We thank Oak Knoll’s Director of Hope Memorial Library Elinor Takenaga, MLS, for sharing all the beautiful ways libraries can benefit students, staff, and faculty and championing the practical and sustainable ways our local libraries benefit the community.
