Library

Our media literacy program promotes the development of life-long learners by providing the instruction needed to educate students how to access, evaluate and use information from a variety of sources. The effective use of technology is an important component of our media literacy program as we supplement the nearly 30,000 titles in the collections on our two campuses. Students are encouraged to perceive reading and information seeking as lifelong activities.

As a source of infinite information, the library is also a reflection of the vast world around us. Our collection includes multi-cultural materials that emphasize cultural, ideological, and racial diversity as well as diverse family structures. Posters and displays of books highlighting famous women, people from various ethnic backgrounds, secular and religious holidays are part of the library displays of books and change according to the time of year.

Beginning in kindergarten, students are introduced to a wide variety of books including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Folk, fairy and tall tales comprise a major component in these early years. Equally important, students begin learning library skills at an early age. They learn the parts of a book and how to determine whether a book is fiction or non-fiction.

As a source of infinite information, the library is also a reflection of the vast world around us."

Students in first through fifth grades are taught library and research skills during their weekly class time. Topics begin with parts of a book, how to locate books using the call numbers and the Dewey Decimal system. More complex assignments include using the reference materials such as almanacs, atlases and encyclopedias.

Middle school students make good use of the lap top cart of I Books that can be used in the library and in the classrooms. BHDS subscribes to numerous databases including those published by EBSCO. These databases offer access to thousand of reference books, magazines, newspapers, and primary sources. Brandeis Hillel students and families access these subscription resources from home via a unique password.

Experienced librarians with expertise in a wide range of children’s literature manage the libraries. The librarians regularly collaborate with the academic faculty in order to support the curriculum in the classroom. Volunteers play an important role in assisting the librarians. The Birthday Book Club, the parent association and special library tribute gifts supplement the funding for new resources for the collection.