The St. Francis School Library/ Media Center provides all students with a multi-purpose liberal arts educational and a research-rich environment. We encourage the enjoyment of reading and strive to develop the skills necessary to be successful in the Christ-centered, academic programs offered at the school. The Information Literacy Standards are applied through collaboration with faculty to create a stimulating learning community. Reading is a foundational skill for all learning and the St. Francis Library/Media Center houses nearly 9,000 volumes of elementary, biography, reference, fiction and non-fiction titles, including classic works of literature. Student periodicals are available along with online educational subscriptions.
The Accelerated Reader program is also offered at St. Francis and “AR” quizzes are available along with STAR testing which is done 3 times a year in the Library/Media Center. We have complete portable tablet labs and Chromebook labs that students are taught to use ethically, responsibly and safely in our increasingly global world. The librarian provides instruction to grades Pre K-8. From Story-time to higher level research based learning, our library provides a bright and pleasant environment for students to learn. Parents are invited to volunteer to read and introduce the joys of reading to our younger students.
The media center strives to foster independent learning experiences and provide resources and activities that contribute to lifelong learning. The library is equipped with technology and software that facilitates the librarian’s ability to provide students with the information and literacy skills that adhere to American Library Association and Arizona State guidelines allowing for the development of independent learning. Our Arizona State Certified librarian/teacher, collaborates with the classroom teachers so that the lessons provided in the library enhance and reinforce the classroom curriculum. In addition to curriculum enrichment, research, reference, and report writing skills are also taught in cooperation with the classroom teachers.
Each class at St. Francis receives at least one period of instruction in the library per week. When story time and/or instruction are completed the students are encouraged to browse the book collection and borrow books to take home. The library is fully automated, and the electronic card catalog allows the students to browse the collection independently or with help and encouragement from the librarian who is always available for support. Our Library Media Center, as an integral part of the Catholic educational program at St. Francis School, operates on the principles underlying the basic philosophy of this institution, especially, to stimulate and guide students in their spiritual and intellectual development through the acquisition of knowledge.
