NHHS Library/Media Center
Welcome to the North Haven High School Library / Media Center
Mission
The North Haven High School Library empowers students to learn both independently and collaboratively. Through the ethical use of technology and resources, students will be able to locate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information effectively. The library provides a comfortable and productive environment for members of the school community to research inquiries, inform thinking, explore solutions to problems, develop multiple literacies, and communicate ideas through a variety of media.
Vision and Purpose
The library offers wonderful resources to help students achieve success both in and out of the classroom. Students must recognize the space as a productive learning environment in which they respect the needs of others working around them. Students who want to primarily socialize should use the cafeteria. The library is furnished with flexible seating and workspace options, which allows students the opportunity to collaborate with peers on assignments or to enjoy a place to work or read independently. Teachers are encouraged to reserve library space for whole class learning.
Availability and Use
The library is open Monday-Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for academic work and study. Students may visit the library during Social IST, lunch, or class with permission and a proper pass from a staff member. (Students enrolled in Quiet IST, Mentored IST, and SRBI courses should remain in their classrooms.) Upon arrival, students will sign in on the computer using the LibraryTrac system (entering first name, last name, reason, teacher, and grade) and give their pass to the library clerk. When leaving the library for any reason, students will log out on the computer by clicking the blue OUT icon next to the name.
Food and Drink
In order to preserve a comfortable learning environment, please enjoy food and drink in the cafeteria before arriving. Water bottles are allowed.
Books in Print
Our book collection has recently received major updates over the last few years. The library has added hundreds of new books to make our collection more relevant and representative of students’ interests. With something for everyone, we hope that each student will check out at least one book this year. Please use the Online Catalog to search our collection or ask our Library staff for assistance.
Ebooks and Audiobooks (Sora)
Sora is a convenient platform for borrowing digital titles (ebooks and audiobooks) that can be used on any device. With a public library card, students can add local libraries and get expanded access to books. The school name is North Haven Town Schools, our school setup code is northhavenct and students can login with school credentials.
Online Resources
While most students use internet searches to gather information, there is value in using online databases to complete assignments. The databases are organized warehouses of information, and can be more reliable than some of the information found on the internet.
Printing
A black + white copier is available in front of the circulation desk and a color copier is available in the Media Center Workroom behind the circulation desk. Students do not need to sign into the library computer if printing and immediately returning to class.
Community Service Hours and Library Assistants (LAs)
The library has opportunities for students to gain community service hours during ISTs. We also have information about doing community service at the local public library. We also take applications for students interested in becoming a Library Assistant (LA), which is similar to being a Teaching Assistant (TA). Please see the librarian for more information.
Public Library Cards
Having a public library card offers students opportunities to access online research databases and resources from anywhere. Students will get access to thousands of books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, music, movies, and more. Through a collaboration with The North Haven Memorial Library, obtaining a public library card is easy and convenient. Parent permission forms (for students under the age of 16) can be picked up in the main office or the school library. Students can return completed forms to the school library. The town librarian will collect and process the forms and deliver the cards to the school library for student pickup.
Grounded in standards and best practice, school libraries are an integral component of the educational landscape. The school library provides access to a wide array of resources and an environment in which teaching and learning are the primary emphases. The school library provides a space and place for personalized learner success; learners are encouraged to explore questions of personal and academic relevance. Under the direction of a qualified school librarian, school libraries are instrumental in fostering literacy and teaching inquiry skills to support lifelong learning.
-American Association of School Librarians, “The Role of the School Library,” June 2019.
