Director Amy Vessella
For the second installment of my series discussing the many services our library provides, I am highlighting how the library supports student success. Let’s start with what most people envision when they hear the word ‘library’…books and other physical library items!
Did you know that our collection includes just under 53,000 items, including books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers and video games?!
Whether you’re helping a first-grader with a school project or working on a doctoral thesis, chances are we have something you can use. In addition to our own collection, you can request materials from other libraries through our catalog or interlibrary loan. You can even request items from the comfort of your own home!
The library also provides access to computers and printers for those times when your computer and printer decide to stage a coup two days before a paper or project is due (it happens!).
And by the way, you don’t have to be a student to use these resources. Our computers and printers are available to anyone!
Speaking of being open to everyone, have you been inside our beautiful building lately? If so, you may have noticed all of our seating areas (many with tables) that are perfect for studying, meeting with a tutor, working or reading.
Need a quiet space to take an online class, conduct a meeting or work on a project? You can use our TalkBox or reserve one of our meeting spaces by speaking to a staff member.
We also support early literacy through our extensive children’s programming. From story time to scary story writing contests, we have something to interest young readers and students of every age.
You can find a complete list of our programs on our events calendar at www.suffield-library.org.
Of course, all of these resources are most useful when everyone feels comfortable and welcome using them. Creating that kind of environment is something we can all contribute to, and as we head into another school year, we ask that parents take a moment to talk with their children about appropriate behavior in the library and the importance of being respectful of other patrons and our staff.
With so many students visiting us after school, the hours between 2 and 5 p.m. can be especially busy. By working together and being considerate of one another, we can help make the library a place that everyone feels happy to visit.
You can find our complete patron behavior policy on our website under the “About” dropdown menu and selecting “Library Policies”.
Welcome back, students, families and educators! We’re glad you’re here!