Why The Library is Essential

With so many schools turning libraries into media centers or closing them completely, you may wonder why Havern has a traditional school library and library program. Aside from being my very favorite space in the building, the Havern library promotes the school’s mission by providing students with a safe and supportive space in which they can connect to information, collaborate, explore interests, be introduced to new ideas, understand community, think critically, and become lifelong learners. 

Along with art and technology, library is considered an “essential” at Havern. Every student comes to the library for class once per week. We have a short lesson and/or story, then students browse the shelves and check out books. Unlike media centers, the Havern library is separate from the technology classroom and focuses on more traditional library and literacy skills. The library program works to promote a love of reading, stories, and books among students. In addition, the library supports literacy in the classrooms by reinforcing comprehension skills, working with teachers to provide classroom resources, and providing students with a wide variety of reading materials. There is also an emphasis on continually diversifying and updating the library’s collection so that every student is able to see themselves reflected in a book.

It is so important to engage students with stories that they are interested in reading, even if they are above their reading level. Learning Ally is a wonderful resource for students whose interests do not coincide with their decoding skills. Every Havern student has a subscription to Learning Ally, providing access to a wide variety of human-read audiobooks. It is common for students to ask if a book that they are interested in checking out is available through Learning Ally. If it is, I can assign it to their account right away and it is ready for them immediately! Students can also place books on their Learning Ally bookshelf independently. 

I have heard it said that “if you’ve seen one Havern student, you’ve seen one Havern student.” Havern is so fortunate to have such a wonderful, vibrant, and diverse group of students. I have the joy of ensuring that each student can find something to interest, to inspire, and to love at the library.

Mandy Piscopo

Mandy’s journey at Havern School began when her son, Justin, started 1st grade at the school in 2004. During her 8-year tenure as a Havern parent, she volunteered for everything, from driving on field trips to being the president of Parents for Havern. When asked to return to the school as the librarian in 2015 , she leapt at the chance! In addition to being Havern’s librarian, Mandy is a Reading Interventionist and teaches comprehension. She holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Denver.