the wisdom to follow. the courage to lead.
Academics
Pat Troy Media Center
Welcome
From read-alouds to research projects, our Lower School library nurtures students from preschool through fifth grade to develop a lifelong love of reading while learning critical information literacy, comprehension and organization skills. Whether students want to answer a question, learn about the world and each other, or take a journey in someone else's shoes, our library is a place where curiosity and creativity soar.
I ask ‘What do you like to read? What kinds of things do you like to do?’ That starts the dialogue. I value my students' interests and that establishes trust between us — to be a keeper of that trust is a huge honor for me. I support them with reading they'll enjoy, but that also helps expand their thinking. There’s no place I’d rather be.
— Lower School Librarian
— Lower School Librarian
A Vibrant Space to Learn and Grow
Every member of our community is welcome in the Lower School library. We offer a robust collection of resources for all developmental levels including fiction and nonfiction books, access to World Book Online, and Playaway Audiobooks.
Buzzing with Bookish Energy
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The 20 in 20 Challenge
To complete the challenge, lower schoolers read 20 books in 20 weeks and write a review for each in their reading logs! -
Call Number Skills!
In third grade, we focus on learning to become more independent library patrons. Can you find a book by its call number? Our 3rd graders can! -
Cross-campus Research
5th graders visit the Middle and Upper School library to research African American explorers using academic databases and nonfiction books. -
Field Trip to the Public Library
As part of our initiative to build lifelong readers and support local libraries, 3rd graders get public library cards and learn about the many resources available.
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And the Award Goes To...
First-grade students learn to read critically and put their picture book evaluation skills to work to vote in a mock Caldecott! -
New media alert!
From Playaway audiobooks to our new selection of magazines — our shelves are stocked to encourage all types of reading! -
Visiting Author Evan Turk
Award-winning children's book author and illustrator visited to share his storytelling secrets. -
Battle of the Books
This annual reading incentive competition encourages students to read quality, diverse literature (open to grades 5-8).
About the Library
A Place for Everyone
Our librarians strive to make every student feel known and valued — whether that means helping with literacy skills, recommending books or just talking about what’s going on in their lives. They work closely with teachers to create unique experiences for our students to engage with reading and books. And they provide a comfortable space for students to express themselves and spend time with one another.
Our entire library staff works together to create a sense of unity among our students, seeking out opportunities for student collaboration across grade levels and campuses.
Our entire library staff works together to create a sense of unity among our students, seeking out opportunities for student collaboration across grade levels and campuses.
Our Mission
Severn School Libraries collaborate with teachers across disciplines to prepare students for their futures. Through their support of the school’s curriculum, the Libraries ensure that Severn graduates are skilled and ethical users of information. The Libraries foster the love of reading and lifelong learning by maintaining a robust collection that caters to diverse backgrounds, perspectives, interests, and opinions.
Meet Our Librarian!
Contact:
k.kwisnek@severnschool.com
(410) 647-7701 x 2034
Lower School
Preschool-Grade 5
Chesapeake Campus
1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
Arnold, MD 21012
1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
Arnold, MD 21012