Sts. Peter and Paul School Library
The library at Sts. Peter and Paul School is the envy of many parochial schools in the area. Whoever
conceived the idea of using the basement room of the old convent [Annex] is to be commended.
Because of the new
and challenging programs that are now in place or soon will be, we need to expand the size of the library collections as well
as the space to house them. To this end, we plan a multi-pronged approach:
First, with this message, we are
asking everyone to donate books they no longer need if they are age-appropriate for the school. Please remember that
some of our older students are voracious readers and can read far beyond their grade-level.
Next, we have begun
a Friends of the Library Program, in which parents who have a passion for reading will join to assist the librarian,
Mrs. Mannion, with reviewing all the books in the library and to include the donated ones when they arrive. In the future,
this group will be the nucleus for a book review organization to which they will invite anyone interested -- students
or parents.
We will then ask one of the smaller book stores in the area to have a book fair so students and parents
can purchase books for themselves or for the school library. This is done in several of the parochial schools and accrues
to the benefit of the school as well as to the families involved. The school usually gets several books for hosting
the book fair.
Since the library is about the size of a good-sized living room, there will not be enough
space to house the new collection. We will then request permission from the parish to use the room adjacent to the present
library, thus doubling the floor space of our present area.
Finally, with the Friends of the Library.
we will have the library open every day for as long as it is needed for the students. Presently, Mrs. Mannion serves
as the coordinating volunteer [along with a few other volunteers] and spends many hours keeping the library organized,
securing books from other libraries, researching materials for classroom work and a host of other duties too numerous to mention.
We owe her and her aides a debt of gratitude for their commitment to what is, indeed, the fulcrum of our learning delivery
system -- books. With the expanded programs that are now reality or soon will be, the library will likewise take on
an expanded dimension.
Although there are now about six people already committed to the Friends of the Library,
there is room for many more. Anyone interested should call the school so Mrs. Mannion can give you more details.
Please do not be concerned that the books you might want to donate are old. Remember: A new book
is one you haven't read.
