When is the library open?

We are open from 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. However, you can access the many online library resources 24/7 from this page. You will need THE password to access the databases from outside the school - please ask the library staff for the password if you don't know it.

Sometimes when I am in the library there is no one at the circulation desk. What should I do if I need assistance?

Please come to the office doors and ask us for what you need. Don't be shy. Believe it or not, librarians can't stand idly by just waiting for your next hot inquiry. We are in our offices to read reviews, order and process new books, plan for our classes, and a myriad of other behind-the-scenes tasks. If you don't see us in our offices, please walk around behind the circulation desk to the workroom door. Once there, politely ask for help. This is most acceptable. Calling us from the other side of the desk or banging on it with your shoe is not.

Who is in charge of the library?

The library staff (Mrs. Reilly, Mrs. Alterman, and Mrs. Griffis) actually run the library. Not only will they provide pencils, staples, etc., paper for the printers and the copier, help you find the perfect book to read, and check out your materials, they also know something about what is inside the books and databases, as well as some of the computer programs you use. If you need help with your research, just ask.

The library staff are trained researchers, not prison guards. If you have a problem, need an explanation, or want a question answered, remember that the librarians are more than happy to help.

How can I save my work on the library computers so I can work on it at home?

Your best bet is to email your work to yourself from your school email account. When you get home, simply go to the MFS email link, sign in, and get your email. If you are working on a PowerPoint or your files are too big too email you can use a USB thumb drive. This is also a great way to get your work to school!

What should I do if I forget my thumb drive?

The library has a limited number of thumb drives for overnight loan. They need to be returned the following day.

Can I play games on the library computers during lunch and after school?

The library computers are for academic use only at all times. There are a limited number of them and usually they are in high demand. We have found that the simpler the policy the easier it is remember.

I am often in a hurry and don't have time to eat. Can I bring my lunch to the library to eat while I study?

This is a frequent question and a bit confusing for all of us. Food, gum, drinks, sticky candy all tend to spill. The mess gets into books, makes tabletops sticky, and falls into computer keyboards which renders them useless. Because our advisee groups meet in the library, we allow food and beverages during those times. We can monitor the mess and make sure its cleaned up thoroughly. We don't allow food and drink during times other than advisee time because we can't monitor the mess and the mess can be detrimental to the library materials, furniture, and equipment, as well as an invitation to ants, roaches, and rodents to visit us...and they are most definitely not welcome in the library.

Where can I get pencils, glue, rulers, scissors, paperclips, stapler, etc.?

The library provides a small collection of office supplies on the bookcase behind the circulation desk. You are welcome to use the supplies you find there. We ask that you return them there when you are finished using them. We ask that the glue be used only on the tables and that you notify one of us if there is an accident of some sort.

Can I leave my backpack in the library while I go to lunch or to meeting or assembly?

Only if you ask! Just imagine how the library would look if everyone just dropped their stuff off in the library before they went to lunch or to meeting. And you need to remember that all three divisions share the space so when you are off getting lunch, etc. the tables, chairs, the floor must be available for others to use.

When are library books due?

Our library does not charge fines for library books. We expect that students will return them when they are finished reading them or using them for research. That said, the Lower School students' library books are due on the following library class; Middle School students' books are due two weeks from checkout; and Upper Schoolers books are due three weeks from checkout. A book can usually be renewed unless someone else has requested it. Reference materials and other special materials can be checked out at the end of the school day and should be returned before school the next day.

Wow! The library doesn't charge fines? What happens if I don't bring a book back?

That is correct: the library does not charge you for overdue library books. You may renew your books by stopping at the circ desk and asking - you don't need to bring your books in to renew them. At the end of the school year, you will be charged the replacement cost for any damaged or outstanding library materials. The library would prefer to have the materials returned rather than having to reorder and reprocess them so we encourage you to keep track of library checkouts. Please do not replace the lost or damaged books; we prefer to order them ourselves.

I have received an overdue notice from the library but I'm sure I returned the book...Or I don't think I ever even had the book in question. What should I do?

There are times that we all, including librarians, forget that we still have a book checked out. You might want to check under your bed - you'd be surprised at the number of books that end up there. There are also times when the library computer systems actually makes a mistake. If you have a question about a book, please speak to the library staff. You may be pleasantly surprised at how reasonable librarians can be. The one thing you do not want to do is to ignore the notice. Its best to straighten out any discrepencies as soon as you can.

Does the library have audiobooks?

Yes, the library has a small collection of audiobooks and Playaways (books on MP3 players) that can be checked out by Middle and Upper School students. We have tried to obtain an unabridged audiobook of every book read by the English Department. You can find them through the OPAC (online catalog) or you can ask us.

Can I check out a book from the "Reference" section? A video or DVD?

The library has DVDs primarily for teachers to use in their classroom. Under special circumstances, students can check these materials out overnight. Please check with the library staff to do so. Reference materials and "Books on Reserve" can be checked out at the end of the school day and should be returned before school the next day.

Where can I check out a laptop?

The library has five laptops for Upper School student use during the school day. Check with library staff at the desk or in the offices to use a laptop. Laptops are for "in-school" use only.

Where can I check out a digital camera, video camera,etc.?

Digital cameras, video cameras, card readers, and tripods are available at the circulation desk for you to use DURING the SCHOOL DAY. This equipment may not be checked out overnight.

Sometimes I need to make a copy of a worksheet, a page in a book, or something I'm working on for class. Am I allowed to use the copier?

Of course - the library copier is available for you to use for academic work. There is no charge to copy, but we ask that you limit your copies to three as the copier is not made to make large number of copies - it breaks down if overused. If you need paper or help making copies, please come to the desk and ask.

Am I permitted to talk in the library?

Yes you are allowed to talk quietly in the library if it is necessary for a project you are researching. Social chitchat is not allowed and if you are overheard one of the librarians will ask you to stop. If you continue, you will be asked to leave. If you need to use your cell phone (after school) you need to move to the hallway - nobody else needs to listen to your conversation! Please remember, the name of the game is not to disturb others who are trying to do their own work.

Do I really need a note to come to the library?

Yes, you really need a note to come to the library. This is to ensure that people know where you are - your study hall proctor or classroom teacher, the division office, or the nurse. Please know that if you don't have a note you will be sent back to your study hall or classroom for one. The note must have the student name(s), date, time, and teacher's signature.

Why won't you tell me who has a book checked out?

Libraries respect confidentiality and are committed to protecting a person's right to borrow and read whatever they would like.and teacher's signature.