Library Services

Kathryn Ferrante, Director of Library Services

Kathryn Ferrante
Renbrook Library Website

Originally from Upstate New York, Kathryn Ferrante began as the Director of Library Services at Renbrook School in 2016. She has been working in libraries since high school, when she began working as a clerk at her local public library, and learned she loves helping people find the tools and resources they need.

As a school librarian, her favorite part of the job is connecting a student with a book that will resonate with them as a reader. She also enjoys working with Renbrook students in different capacities, ranging from Storytime with Preschool to citing sources for research with Grade 8.

Kathryn earned a BA in English and History from the State University of New York at Oswego and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) with a specialization in School Media from Syracuse University. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and reading (of course!).

Beginning School

Beginning School students visit the library weekly for Library class. They engage with literature through read-alouds, songs, and games. While in the library, they also learn library citizenship, learning how to be safe and responsible while choosing a special book to borrow for the week.

Features of the Beginning School library program include:

  • Identifying story elements
  • Making predictions
  • Using illustrations to draw meaning from the story
  • Identifying the works of a single author through author studies
  • Practicing re-telling and sequencing
librarian and student

Lower School

Reading and inquiry are at the heart of the Lower School library experience. During weekly visits, students are encouraged to find independent reading books they are excited about through book talks and time to browse and explore. The library, including its print and online resources, is used to support students throughout the research process, and information literacy skills are taught in coordination with the classroom curriculum.

Features of the Lower School library program include:

  • Promotion of book awards, including the Nutmeg Book Awards
  • Annual author visits
  • Exploring topics through ‘I wonder’ questions for research
  • Teaching students how to locate and evaluate information across sources
  • Creating multimedia products to demonstrate learning
  • Digital citizenship and online wellness lessons

Upper School

In the Upper School, students have the freedom to visit the library as needed. The library serves as an area for learning and collaboration, while providing resources for research and independent reading. The focus of the library is to support students as they become effective users of information, critical thinkers, and to sustain a love of reading.
Features of the Upper School library program include:

  • Annual author visits
  • Access to online databases for research
  • Teaching students how to locate and evaluate information across sources
  • In coordination with subject-area teachers, lessons around research and inquiry to support classroom projects
  • Visits to the library for reader’s advisory to promote independent reading
  • A Library Club that creates book displays and promotes reading across the school