Dalton Libraries Keep Community Connected in Creative Ways

“The role of the library in digitalDalton is essential in both our ability to get students and faculty connected to the resources they need for curriculum and reading and in recreating a community space in the digital environment,” said Director of Libraries and Information Services Christy Payne. “Our service is only growing as we creatively discover ways to keep everyone connected through online programs and events.”

In the First Program, Librarians Jordy Samuels ’13 and Christine Nassar are fostering a love of reading and helping community members explore diverse identities through library lessons, an open library lab time where students can interact, ask questions, work, etc., and book recommendations—be sure to check out recommendations through the virtual bookshelf. 

The FP Library will also be partnering with the PA for the upcoming Fall virtual book fair as well as hosting a digital event with Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James, the author and illustrator duo behind Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and I Am Every Good Thing. 

In Middle School, Librarians Kieran Raines, Joe Quain, and Roxanne Feldman are focused on leading lessons and collaborating with classroom teachers to design research opportunities and literature-based projects. Currently, Ms. Payne is visiting 7th grade science classes for a unit on Science Literacy while Mr. Quain will be collaborating with 5th grade classes to work through the research process which includes finding and evaluating sources for credibility. The MS Library is also offering open library lab times for students to get research help, book recommendations or to just say Hi!

The High School Library has provided teachers and students with many new digital resources—ebooks, audiobooks, and streaming video for research and just for fun.  We've kicked off the year by hosting new and old members of the High School Book Club, and look forward to reading BIPOC authors together this year. HS Librarians Tobi Fineberg and Kieran Raines were pleased to welcome all new 9th graders during orientation, as well as new faculty and staff, and are looking forward to those one-on-one labs with all the high school students to help them with their digital research.

Your librarians are excited to announce Book it!, a new program to get physical books and DVDs into the hands of our students, faculty, staff, and families. Community members can request books through our online catalog for delivery to individuals who are on-site as well as for curbside pick up. We will share the program start date shortly. For those who request items, the library will contact you when your items are available. Check out this flier for details including pick up times and locations. For questions, contact Christy Payne at cpayne@dalton.org.

In support of Dalton's antiracist commitment, the libraries will be creating a student Library Council in each division. The purpose will be to build relationships with students, foster cogenerative dialogue, and provide a mechanism for feedback. 

For all libraries, we encourage families to check in regularly on the library's webpage for programs, services, and lists of great new books and videos added to our libraries each month.

Story contributed by Dalton’s Library team.