Library

The RDS library program is shaped to support the school curriculum and to stimulate and encourage children’s use of books for informational needs, for research assignments, and for recreational and enrichment purposes. The librarian consults with teachers, staff, and families to select books and magazines, keeping these goals in mind.  

Our program is a unique blend of fixed schedule classes and flexible scheduling. From kindergarten through fifth grade, classes have regular library times once a week to come to the library, hear stories or book talks, and obtain library skill instruction. Sixth-graders come to the library once every two weeks for book talks, to browse the collection and learn research skills. In seventh and eighth grades, teachers make arrangements with the librarian to come to the library for specific research and study assignments. At these times, the librarian introduces or re-familiarizes students with available materials and the use of various indexes and sources. In addition, students are free to visit the library whenever teachers permit to ask for reader’s advisory help and to seek for information.

Our library collection includes materials that encompass the wide range of beliefs and ideologies of the diverse groups that are represented in our school population and the larger community. The collection also includes information on the many different peoples that constitute our shrinking planet so that students may begin to familiarize themselves with lifestyles and attitudes that differ from their own.