The mission of our library program is to empower every student as a reader, researcher, and creator. I support learning by providing inclusive resources, thoughtful instruction, and a welcoming space where curiosity grows. Through collaboration with teachers and a commitment to literacy and innovation, the library strengthens learning across our school and helps every student develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
My vision is a library that serves as the heart of the school — a place where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to learn. I strive to lead a program that expands access to information, encourages future-ready thinking, builds meaningful partnerships, and nurtures a strong community of readers and thinkers. This vision guides the long-term growth of our library and shapes the choices I make to support both students and teachers.
Our library is grounded in a set of beliefs that guide every part of our work. These values shape the learning experiences we create, the resources we select, and the relationships we build with students, teachers, and families.
We believe:
Every student deserves access to books and resources that reflect their lives and open doors to new possibilities.
Reading should feel inviting, empowering, and joyful.
Hands-on learning and makerspace opportunities help students grow as thinkers, designers, and creators.
When students feel supported and welcomed, they gain confidence and take ownership of their learning.
Strong library programs thrive through collaboration, inclusion, and a deep respect for student voice.
Intellectual Freedom Commitment
Our Library Media Center upholds the principles of intellectual freedom outlined by the American Library Association and supported by the Missouri School Library standards. We believe every student has the right to explore books, ideas, and perspectives that reflect a wide range of cultures, identities, and lived experiences.
We are committed to providing a collection that is inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and reflective of the diverse world our students navigate. Students should feel safe to learn, question, wonder, and grow — and our library environment protects their right to do so.
Through thoughtful curation, open access, and a welcoming space, we work to ensure that all students can engage with information freely, with curiosity, and without fear of judgment. Intellectual freedom is central to helping students become confident, informed, and empowered learners.
Purpose of the Collection
The purpose of our library collection is to support the academic, social, and personal learning needs of every student. Our resources are selected to strengthen literacy, build background knowledge, reflect diverse cultures and identities, and encourage curiosity across all subject areas.
We work to offer materials that meet students where they are — from high-interest fiction and accessible nonfiction to graphic novels, multilingual texts, digital resources, and books that help students grow both confidence and stamina as readers.
The collection also supports teachers by aligning with curriculum goals, providing up-to-date information, and offering resources that enrich instruction. By maintaining a balanced, inclusive, and thoughtfully curated collection, our library helps students explore new ideas, develop strong information skills, and engage deeply in their learning.
Our Library Media Center follows a thoughtful and student-centered approach when selecting new materials. Resources are chosen to support curriculum, reflect diverse perspectives, spark curiosity, and meet the wide range of reading levels and interests within our school community.
Materials are added to the collection through library purchases, district and building funds, grants, community partnerships, and student or teacher requests. We rely on trusted professional reviews, award lists, and recommendations from library journals to ensure accuracy, quality, and age-appropriate content.
Student voice plays a key role in shaping future purchases. Book request forms, reading events, and ongoing conversations help guide decisions so our collection reflects what students are excited to read and what they need to grow as learners.
Our goal is to build a collection that is current, inclusive, engaging, and aligned with both instructional goals and the lived experiences of our students.
Weeding & Collection Maintenance
To keep our collection accurate, inviting, and useful, materials are reviewed regularly for condition, relevance, currency, and circulation. Items that are outdated, damaged, inaccurate, or no longer aligned with the needs of our students are removed following accepted professional guidelines.
Thoughtful weeding helps ensure that students have access to high-quality, trustworthy information and a browsing experience that feels fresh and welcoming. Removing outdated resources also allows us to make space for new materials that better support literacy growth, curriculum needs, and student interests.
Collection maintenance is an ongoing process and an essential part of creating a library environment where students can confidently find what they need — and discover new books they’re excited to read.
Our Library Media Center is committed to maintaining a balanced and inclusive collection that reflects a wide range of perspectives and supports the learning needs of all students. We recognize that families and staff may occasionally have questions or concerns about specific materials.
If a parent, guardian, or staff member wishes to request a formal review of a resource, they may submit a Request for Reconsideration. Following district guidelines and professional standards, a review committee will examine the material using the same criteria applied during selection.
The purpose of this process is to ensure that our collection continues to provide students with access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and diverse resources. Until the review is complete, the material remains available, and the committee’s decision will be communicated once the evaluation has concluded.