Charleston Collegiate School’s library is used by all students in the school, pre-school through grade 12, and includes resources appropriate for every grade level. In addition to books, magazines, and reference materials, the library has a new Media Center with 18 computers, where students may work independently or as part of a class brought to the library to conduct research.

The goal of the Charleston Collegiate School library program is to help students become independent library users and information seekers as well as lifelong readers. The library is open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Parents may visit the library with their children and are also encouraged to visit their public libraries in order to further broaden their children’s access to literature and information systems.

The Lower School Library serves the school community in an effort to support the curriculum and enrich the literary lives of its students. Our children’s book collection includes picture books, early reading books, fiction and non-fiction and reference material for students through 5th grade. All Lower School students visit the library at least once a week. During library class they are introduced to various genres of literature through read-aloud sessions, book talks, and browsing experiences. Children also begin their instruction in library use and information-seeking in preschool where they will learn the basic facts about books including author, title, illustrator, and copyright date. By the time students leave 5th grade, they have been introduced to many major reference materials including general information encyclopedias, biographical and geographical dictionaries, almanacs, atlases, and specialized encyclopedias. They also have been introduced to computerized sources of information such as DISCUS, a collection of reliable, comprehensive databases. In addition, students receive instruction in fact-finding and research techniques.

Charleston Collegiate has a tradition of inviting families to donate books in honor of a child’s birthday. Through our Birthday Book Program, a child has the opportunity to select and sign a bookplate for a donated book and is recognized in the school newsletter.

The Middle and Upper School library program supports the learning activities and the curriculum of the school. The library program at all grade levels supports the school’s mission and is based upon the following beliefs:

• The collection should build upon the interests and needs of a diverse school community.
• Information should be readily accessible.
• Reading should be encouraged.
• Timely and interesting displays should be designed to foster student curiosity.
• Research skills should be integrated through the curriculum, team taught by the librarian and teachers, to develop increasingly sophisticated analysis of material.
• Students should learn to evaluate and synthesize a variety of information in multiple media, thereby becoming lifelong learners.
• A quiet, yet stimulating environment should be maintained for work and reflection.