Library Services

The Joanne G. Yancey Library is the information center of Thatcher Hall and the hub of the Pre-K to 8 division. Students in pre-K to second grade are seen twice every eight days, while third grade comes once every 8 days. Grades 4-8 have a flexible schedule in which they can come to library at any time during the day.

The library skills taught at each grade level are chosen with particular attention to the developmental level of the student. These skills include recognizing and using the parts of a book; differentiating between fiction and nonfiction; becoming familiar with the areas of the library—fiction (picture books, early readers, easy chapter books, chapter books) and nonfiction (including biography and reference); understanding the Dewey Decimal System; using the computer catalog and locating materials; and selecting and using appropriate reference sources to locate desired information.

Librarians team with classroom and enrichment teachers to facilitate research projects and collaborative opportunities.

The Upper School Library, serving grades 9-12, offers daily access to more than 10,000 fiction and nonfiction volumes in addition to digital resources for students and faculty. The subscription databases are available to all patrons both on and off campus.

Our space is designed to accommodate different learning styles with a variety of seating options and includes small tables for individual study, seating areas for quiet work and conversation, and large family-style tables for collaboration. The back room functions as a classroom or meeting space that can be used by advisory groups, iPeriods, and clubs on a regular basis.

Upper School librarians work closely with faculty to support curriculum and instruction and develop lessons on research skills, ensuring that Darlington students are proficient navigators in an ever-changing world of information. The Upper School Library serves as a central hub for information, research, collaboration, education, and reading promotion.