MISD Library Services

• Embrace change and drive improvement

• Be instructional leaders and pursue growth in learning

• Be good communicators and listeners

• Strong relationships equal influence

• Lead AND Follow

• Integrity matters

• Be adventurous, creative, open-minded, and have fun

"A Learning Commons is a place for all members of the community to come together to engage with information and create new understandings.  The flexible space allows individuals, small groups, and classes to visit at their own convenience.  Although cutting-edge technology and adaptable spaces are vital components, its true strength is found in the relationships it creates and sustains, whether these are student-to-student, student-to-faculty, student-to-equipment, or student-to-information.  A vibrant Learning Commons will resonate with the sounds of students working together, establishing the kinds of connections that promote active, engaged learning."    ~ MISD Library Services

In an elementary school learning commons, students can engage in various activities such as reading, research, exploration, critical thinking, and creativity. It serves as a hub for both individual and collaborative learning experiences, promoting inquiry-based learning and information literacy skills.

Key characteristics of an elementary school learning commons include:

1. Diverse Resources: The learning commons houses a diverse collection of print and digital resources, including books, e-books, audiobooks, educational websites, multimedia materials, and databases. These resources cater to different interests, reading levels, and learning preferences.

2. Technology Integration: The learning commons integrates technology to support learning and digital literacy skills. It may include computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards, audiovisual equipment, and access to online educational tools and applications.

3. Flexible Space: The learning commons offers a flexible and adaptable physical space that accommodates various learning activities. It may feature comfortable seating areas, reading nooks, collaborative workstations, presentation spaces, and maker spaces that encourage hands-on exploration and creativity.

4. Information Literacy: The learning commons plays a vital role in teaching students information literacy skills, including locating, evaluating, and effectively using information. Librarians or media specialists often collaborate with teachers to deliver instruction on research strategies, digital citizenship, and responsible use of information.

5. Collaboration and Communication: The learning commons fosters collaboration among students, teachers, and the wider school community. It provides a platform for group projects, discussions, presentations, and sharing ideas. Students learn how to work effectively in teams, communicate their thoughts, and respect diverse perspectives.

6. Community Engagement: The learning commons serves as a gathering place for students, teachers, parents, and community members. It may host author visits, book clubs, parent workshops, and other events that promote a love for reading and community involvement.

7. Multicultural and Inclusive Environment: The learning commons strives to reflect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of its students. It offers a wide range of resources that represent different perspectives, cultures, languages, and abilities to ensure an inclusive learning environment.

Overall, an elementary school learning commons is a vibrant, student-centered space that encourages exploration, collaboration, and lifelong learning. It adapts to the evolving educational landscape, preparing students to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and informed digital citizens in the 21st century.

The mission of the Bennett Elementary School Library is to provide a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers. Guided by the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) and AASL (American Association of School Librarians) standards, we aim to cultivate a love for reading, foster information literacy skills, and promote digital citizenship. Through collaboration with teachers, parents, and the broader community, we strive to inspire a lifelong passion for learning, empower students to use technology effectively and responsibly; and ensure equitable access to diverse resources. Our mission is to prepare students to become engaged global citizens who can navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape with confidence and integrity.

The mission of the Bennett Elementary Learning Commons is to empower students as lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and responsible digital citizens through the integration of technology and information literacy, fostering a love for reading, and providing equitable access to diverse resources in an inclusive environment. ~reviewed May 2025

The Bennett Elementary School Library envisions a future where every student is an empowered learner, leveraging technology and information literacy to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We aspire to be a center of innovation and collaboration, embracing the ISTE and AASL standards to create an inclusive and dynamic learning space. By providing a rich collection of print and digital resources, fostering a love for reading, and promoting information fluency, we aim to ignite students' curiosity and support their individual interests and passions. Through personalized instruction, meaningful inquiry-based projects, and authentic learning experiences, we seek to develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. As a hub for creativity, exploration, and collaboration, we envision our elementary school library as an integral part of the learning community, inspiring students to reach their full potential and become responsible digital citizens who positively impact the world around them.

The vision of the Bennett Elementary Learning Commons is to be a dynamic learning environment guided by ISTE and AASL standards, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. As the heart of the school, we prepare students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, leveraging technology, information literacy, and collaboration to become engaged global citizens in an ever-evolving digital landscape. ~reviewed May 2025