Welcome to the Mother Irene Library
At the heart of St. Anne’s Episcopal School, the Mother Irene Library is more than just a place for books—it's a vibrant, inclusive hub of inquiry, imagination, and connection. Named in honor of our founder, the Library serves as a cherished gathering space where every student, from our youngest preschoolers to our eighth-grade leaders, comes to explore stories, strengthen research skills, and build a lifelong love of learning.
| A Campus-Wide Connector |
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The Mother Irene Library is one of the few places on campus that every child grows to know deeply over time. Each week, students visit for story time, research projects, book selection, or quiet reflection. In these moments, a familiar rhythm develops—“Where are the Caldecott books?” “Can I recommend this to my friend?” “I remember reading this in first grade!” These visits mark the passage of time at St. Anne’s, creating a sense of continuity and belonging across all grade levels. Just as the classroom fosters academic rigor, the Library nurtures intellectual curiosity and joyful exploration. It supports every area of our curriculum—from science and social studies to Spanish and religion—while also offering a welcoming space to wander among the shelves and find something that speaks to the soul. |
| Library as a Learning Lab |
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The Library plays a vital role in our K–8 academic program, complementing the work of classroom teachers and specialists alike. In the Lower School, students engage with books and activities that enrich early literacy, build vocabulary, and encourage critical thinking. Whether listening to read-alouds that spark discussion or exploring books that deepen understanding of classroom themes, children learn to ask questions, make connections, and reflect on what they read. In Middle School, students use the Library as a launchpad for independent research, project-based learning, and media literacy. They practice responsible use of digital tools and databases, develop thesis-driven arguments, and cite sources ethically. It is a place where ideas take shape and confidence takes root. The Library curriculum, like the collections themselves, evolves with our students—challenging them as they grow and encouraging both independence and collaboration. |
| Resources and Access |
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Our collection includes a rich mix of print and digital materials tailored to meet the academic and recreational interests of students, faculty, and families. The online library catalog is accessible from Library computers and student devices, and our library website offers additional resources such as curated reading lists, access to age-appropriate databases, and parent volunteer opportunities. Students may check out materials for two weeks and are encouraged to return books on time so that others can enjoy them too. Our librarian collaborates closely with teachers to align resources with units of study and ensure all learners feel supported and inspired. |
| Community and Celebration |
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The Library is also a community space. Throughout the year, we host author visits that bring storytelling to life and inspire aspiring writers. There are Book repair clinics that parents can attend and learn how to repair our most loved books. Volunteering in the Library is a treat, engaging with many age levels and supporting the diverse interests of our students. And perhaps most meaningfully, the Library is a place many alumni remember with great fondness—those quiet corners where they first fell in love with a book, or that special moment when a librarian handed them the story they didn’t know they needed. For some, it’s where they first realized that words have power and stories can change the way we see the world. |
