The St. Ignatius of Antioch School Library is a welcoming space where students are encouraged to discover the joy of reading, strengthen literacy skills, and develop a lifelong love of books. Our library program is designed to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and support classroom learning while providing students with access to a diverse collection of age-appropriate literature and educational resources.
Students in Pre-K through Fourth Grade visit the library every other week for an engaging library lesson. Each visit begins with a carefully selected read-aloud that introduces students to quality literature while promoting listening comprehension, vocabulary development, and a love of storytelling. Following the story, students participate in a hands-on activity, discussion, or extension project that reinforces the themes, characters, or lessons from the book and often connects to concepts they are learning in the classroom.
During each library visit, students have the opportunity to browse our collection and check out books that match their reading level and interests. Our goal is to help every child become an enthusiastic and confident reader by encouraging independent reading both at school and at home.
Students in Fifth through Eighth Grade have access to the library during their lunch recess, giving them the flexibility to check out books, read quietly, conduct research, or simply enjoy a peaceful environment. This open-access model encourages students to take ownership of their reading habits and explore literature that reflects their individual interests.
Our library collection continues to grow each year thanks to the generosity of our school community. Proceeds from the annual Scholastic Book Fair have allowed us to purchase new titles that support both recreational reading and classroom instruction. In addition, we have expanded our collection with lower-level chapter books and board books acquired through the Yardley-Makefield Library Book Sale, ensuring that our youngest readers have access to engaging, high-quality materials that meet their developmental needs.
One of the greatest strengths of our library program is our dedicated team of student library aides. A group of responsible students from Fifth through Eighth Grade volunteer their time each day during lunch recess to assist with the daily operation of the library. They help shelve books, organize displays, maintain the collection, prepare materials for library classes, and ensure the library remains a welcoming and organized space for all students. Their commitment not only supports the library program but also fosters leadership, responsibility, and a spirit of service within our school community.
The St. Ignatius Library is more than a place to borrow books—it is a place where imagination comes alive, curiosity is encouraged, and every student is inspired to become a lifelong reader and learner.Mrs. Mary Casey