First Program Library

The First Program library curriculum cultivates a love of reading and sharing books balanced with introducing information literacy skills to our youngest learners. Grades K-2 have weekly library classes that offer students the opportunity to be stewards of the library and understand the library as a shared community space. Library lessons pay particular attention to storytelling and the author’s and illustrator’s craft. In addition, librarians and teachers collaborate on various projects in the context of classroom learning. The 3rd grade operates solely on an open, or flexible, schedule in which the librarian works in collaboration with classroom teachers on integrated learning experiences. The library is open to students throughout the school day so can exchange books as individually needed. We encourage curiosity, exploration and discovery through fun units such as The Dalton School Book Award (a kids choice award), the Library Mystery Box challenge (a reverse escape room using the library catalog and searching skills), and writing student book recommendations. Collaborative research units include city landmarks, biographies and Indigenous Peoples.

The First Program library welcomes students at all times throughout the school day and offers after school hours until 6:00PM for students with an accompanying adult. Librarians are constantly engaged in Reader’s Advisory and provide opportunities for student input in collection development that addresses their needs and interests. Students can use the hands-on, craft centered, tech free Makerspace in the library as their schedule allows and the self-checkout system enables 2nd and 3rd grade students agency over their library use. We offer Yoto kits for families to checkout that include a screen free audiobook reader with story cards. HeroCon, our version of a comic con that celebrates comics, creators, community and everyday heroism, is well attended by our First Program families and friends. We host several author visits a year and some past visitors include Oge Mora, Matt de la Pena, Breanna Carzoo, Kyle Lukoff, Sophie Blackall, John Patrick Green, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton.