Library
Building lifelong learners
"Books became her friends and there was one for every mood.”
— Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Linder’s library is so much more than a room full of books—it’s a place where curiosity grows and independence takes root. When students choose to read, they build literacy, community, and a love of learning that lasts.
Research shows that well-resourced school libraries and certified librarians boost student academic performance. But more than that, libraries help children slow down, ask big questions, and discover stories that stay with them for life.
Read, return, repeat
The Linder Library houses approximately 3,300 titles geared to K-8 readers. That’s a 40:1 ratio of books to students!
The library's fiction section is organized by genre, both for ease of use and to encourage serendipitous browsing. Colorful signs atop bookcases feature distinctive colors and relevant imagery to allow students to quickly locate sections.
The library's nonfiction materials are also organized by subject matter, again with relevant imagery incorporated into each section's signage. Nonfiction signs are characterized by a consistent bright yellow color in backgrounds, graphics, and/or text.
Students visit the library weekly with their classes and are also welcome to come during free time with a Library Pass. A library is also being planned for the Upper School—more to come soon!
Every opened book is a win
“Expand the definition of ‘reading’ to include non-fiction, humor, graphic novels, magazines, action adventure, and, yes, even websites. It’s the pleasure of reading that counts; the focus will naturally broaden.”
–Author Jon Scieszka, recipient of the Caldecott Honor Medal
Not only do libraries provide access to a world of information and a universe of imagination, they also allow students the opportunity to exercise agency over their own learning.
Children will be reading for pleasure much longer than they will be reading for school; if the goal is to develop lifelong readers, students must be given ample time to experience the joy of discovery that books provide. With so much competing for their attention, regular library visits can encourage curiosity, deep thinking, and independence.
Custom reading lists
& recommendations
At Linder, personalized learning extends into the library, too! We get to know each student as a unique reader—through reading inventories, observation, and one-on-one conversations. Whether they’re just discovering books or reading voraciously, we tailor recommendations to spark curiosity and stretch their thinking.
Families have the opportunity to collaborate with our librarian for everything from curated reading lists to support strategies for reluctant readers. It’s all part of our commitment to helping every learner grow in confidence, curiosity, and voice.
Book Lynx
Check out our new blog for the latest happenings in the library! Its name is a nod to our school mascot, the Linder Lynx.
Our first entry is a very incomplete list of some Linder Library’s favorite reads. More to come!
