Wheeler Library | The Fessenden School

The Wheeler Library welcomes the community to read, research, collaborate, and relax in comfortable surroundings. The library is 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 open library space for Middle and Upper School students supports exploration and study with armchairs, study tables, and a "Think Tank" area for classes and additional collaborative activities.

In classes and one-on-one, students work with the librarians to think critically and use information thoughtfully, creatively, and ethically. The librarians also support boys in their reading choices either in scheduled checkout periods or as the boys search individually. Book displays, book talks and guest authors, book fairs in the fall and spring, and carefully selected reading lists also help boys choose books for leisure reading. In addition, the librarians become "Labrarians" as they support students in the Innovation Lab.

Our school-wide celebration of reading in November, the Fall book Fair, Winter Teas, and the three-day Book Fair in May reflect our involvement in the community. Both students and parents volunteer to support the library's day-to-day activities.

Boys and faculty use the library's extensive resources, including our 21,000-item collection focused on boys' interests and research needs, online resources, periodicals and e-books. Through collaboration with faculty, the library enhances the Fessenden curriculum with a Research Guide and research links on class pages. Computers, iPods, video cameras and other technology are available for use.

You can e-mail the library or reach us by phone at 617-630-2343. The library is open Monday to Friday, from 7:40 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Library Goals

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.