Library Resources
The Wheeler Library offers a variety of resources and services designed to meet the needs of the students, faculty, staff and families of The Fessenden School. The expansive space provides the opportunity to read, research, collaborate, and relax in comfortable surroundings. It's divided into areas for younger and older students: the Lower School library space features a Story Room, a Media Classroom, a nonfiction area, and benches and pillows for reading, while the Middle School/Upper School library space offers armchairs as well as study tables, and includes a new "Think Tank" area for classes and additional collaborative activities. A 22,000-item collection of print, audio, video, and software focuses on boys' interests and research needs, including online resources and e-books. The library supports the Fessenden curriculum with school project links and a Research Guide. Computers, iPods, video cameras and other electronic devices are available for use. Read more about the various activities that happen in the library here.
Library Instruction
Lower School boys visit the library for library classes, and for library check out. Middle and Upper School boys visit on a flexible schedule, either in a visit with a class or individually through study hall. The librarians teach information literacy skills—the ability to access, evaluate, and use information—in classes and through one-on-one help. They collaborate with teachers to instruct boys in search strategies for accessing print and electronic resources, such as databases; create Research Organizers to guide the students through the steps of their research projects; and teach students how to think critically and use information thoughtfully, creatively, and ethically. Book displays, book talks and guest authors, book fairs in the fall and spring, and carefully selected reading lists help boys choose books for leisure reading. Special Programs and Volunteers
Special programs throughout the year reflect the library's involvement with the Fessenden community. Visiting authors, such as sportswriter and novelist Mike Lupica, share their experiences as writers and readers with the boys. Other special events include READ Week, a school-wide celebration of reading in November, featuring a Book Café; winter Library Teas for the whole Fessenden community; Guest Reader weeks; and a Book Fair in May, promoting summer reading. The library's volunteer programs include both students and parents in the library's day-to-day activities. Hours and Contact Information
The library is open Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; late afternoon and evening hours, as well as weekends, are reserved for boarders. You can e-mail the library or reach us by phone at 617-630-2343.
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The Wheeler Library program aims to meet boys’ needs by:
- fostering an appreciation of reading and lifelong learning through thoughtful collection development and stimulating activities;
- providing a comfortable and caring atmosphere for individual and group study;
- helping students become proficient and thoughtful at finding and using information in all media; and
- collaborating with faculty to integrate information skills instruction and the use of print and electronic resources into the curriculum.
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