the park school library
carl lew,
school librarian
MEET our school librarian
School Librarian, Mr. Carl Lew, came to Park in the Fall of 2021. Originally from Buffalo, Mr. Lew earned his BA (2012) and an MA in Public History (2015) from Duquesne University and his MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh (2018). He also spent six-months as an AmeriCorps Volunteer for the American Red Cross in Northwest Arkansas during 2019 before returning to Buffalo.
Prior to accepting the position of School Librarian, Mr. Lew worked in the Grosvenor Room, and on the Bookmobile, of Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, and in a variety of roles with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
A lifelong learner himself, you can find Mr. Lew boring his friends with explanations of “cool footnotes” and checking out far too many books from the public library.
If you have any questions regarding The Park School Library, please reach out to School Librarian, Carl Lew at clew@theparkschool.org.
overview
The Park School Library serves our entire student body, from our youngest Pre-K and Montessori students to our graduating seniors. Throughout their time at Park, students are encouraged to take part in making the library an inclusive and dynamic space.
The library fosters a love of reading, libraries, books, stories, knowledge and creativity across all ages by providing access to a print collection that spans over 13,000 titles, as well as numerous periodical, database, and e-book subscriptions. Archival Collections, organized by the school librarian during the summer of 2023, expand students’ ability to explore the school’s past.
When our youngest students visit the library, the school librarian demystifies books by encouraging the use and exploration of books on our shelves and by sharing stories during library specials. Students are encouraged to explore books that interest them, ask questions of the books, and share their findings with their peers and other students, their librarian and teachers.
As they get older, students are continually introduced to books selected by the librarian (student, faculty, and family recommendations are always welcome!), while being taught to recognize and identify the organization of the library, develop information literacy, and learn how to conduct and share research.
The library also plays host to a variety of school clubs throughout the school year. So far the school librarian has run a book club, a puzzle club, and a tabletop gaming club. What might be next? Give him a shout reasonably hushed whisper if you have any suggestions!
The Park School Library aligns itself with the core values of Park’s mission by being a place of collaboration, intellectual exchange, artistic display, and problem solving. The library celebrates our students freedom to read, in agreement with the ALA Bill of Rights.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- OCTOBER 11TH - 18TH: BOOK FAIR
- OCTOBER 19TH: VISITING AUTHOR, ERIC GANSWORTH
