Program
Library
The library, dedicated to the school’s founder, John C. Jenkins, has been described as the heart of the school. It fosters a life-long love of reading and learning for the entire community.
Our extensive collection includes the classics of children’s literature as well as recently published fiction and nonfiction books. It contains over 18,000 volumes, magazines, digital books, and electronic databases. The library provides students with a quiet place in which to read and reflect. It is also a lively center of research and exploration. Junior School boys choose books in the relaxed atmosphere of their own reading room. Older boys study at large tables or in individual carrels.
Participation in programs such as the Kronengold Visiting Author series, the Book Fair, and the Used Book Sale encourages boys to read as much as possible. Chromebooks and iPads allow boys to engage in research and explore their interests on a variety of platforms.
Parents are encouraged to borrow books and to take advantage of all the library resources. All parents have access to our collection of eBooks and audiobooks. Please click on the Sora link below to browse and select a title. Audiobooks provide a unique way for families to enjoy books together. MackinVIA provides the gateway for students, faculty, and parents to the library’s many databases, educational websites, and digital research resources. Please reach out to the librarians with any questions or for assistance.
Participation in programs such as the Kronengold Visiting Author series, the Book Fair, and the Used Book Sale encourages boys to read as much as possible. Chromebooks and iPads allow boys to engage in research and explore their interests on a variety of platforms.
Parents are encouraged to borrow books and to take advantage of all the library resources. All parents have access to our collection of eBooks and audiobooks. Please click on the Sora link below to browse and select a title. Audiobooks provide a unique way for families to enjoy books together. MackinVIA provides the gateway for students, faculty, and parents to the library’s many databases, educational websites, and digital research resources. Please reach out to the librarians with any questions or for assistance.
Librarians
Library Hours
The library is open for general use before and after school.
Mornings:
7:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.
Boys in Grade II and above may visit the library without a parent or caregiver in the mornings before going to their first class. Kindergarten and Grade I students must be accompanied by an adult.
Afternoons:
3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Monday - Thursday
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Friday
In the afternoons, boys in Grade IV and above may work in the library independently. Junior School boys may come to the library after school as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Mornings:
7:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.
Boys in Grade II and above may visit the library without a parent or caregiver in the mornings before going to their first class. Kindergarten and Grade I students must be accompanied by an adult.
Afternoons:
3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Monday - Thursday
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Friday
In the afternoons, boys in Grade IV and above may work in the library independently. Junior School boys may come to the library after school as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
RESOURCES
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READING LISTS
The St. Bernard’s Reading List is a selection of fiction and nonfiction titles that the school recommends. All of these titles are available in the school library. In addition, audio books of many titles are available on St. Bernard’s SORA app. -
LIBRARY CATALOG LINK
View the school's entire list of books online. -
SORA – AUDIOBOOKS & E-BOOKS
The St. Bernard’s digital library, SORA, is open all day, every day. With SORA, you can borrow eBooks and AudioBooks instantly from our digital collection. Here are instructions on how to sign up for SORA for Junior School boys and instructions for parents. -
MACKINVIA
Easily access our helpful databases and recommended educational websites - many of which are interactive - from one place. MackinVIA is a research tool that leads to more reliable resources than Google or Wikipedia! Parents can log into the Library Resource Board for instructions.
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Link to Library Resource Board
St. Bernard's students and parents may visit the password-protected library resource board for login and password information for the Catalog, SORA, MackinVIA, and WebPath Express, as well as library policies.
Library News
This year marks the seventh year at St. Bernard’s that we have had a Community Book. Over the summer, faculty and all boys in grades V - IX read The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner. On Thursday, September 19, after attending an assembly about the book, boys broke into cross-grade groups to discuss the book and share their thoughts and opinions.
The Thief is the first fantasy book selected for the Community Book. Readers follow the story of a talented young thief, Gen, as he embarks on a quest to steal a legendary stone. Gen not only deceives his fellow travelers but also misleads the reader. The twist at the end came as a surprise to most everyone at St. Bernard's. Many boys are interested in finishing the five-book Queen’s Thief series.
The morning began in the Small Gym with two faculty members, a Middle School boy, and two Upper-School students sharing their different takes on the novel. Everyone then headed to various classrooms to meet in small groups and talk in more depth. Discussions were rich with varied opinions vigorously given.
New Arrivals
— Russell Pennoyer '65
Oscar Wilde, the great playwright, once wrote, Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.’ Obviously, he didn’t have the benefit of a St. Bernard’s education. I, on the other hand, did, and when asked about my own schooling, I often find myself wanting to answer, “I graduated from Choate, Harvard, and Columbia Law School, but I was educated at St. Bernard’s.”
