WELCOME TO THE

Prouty and Garfield Libraries

The Bancroft Community is fortunate to enjoy two libraries that directly support the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. As the crossroads of all divisions, the libraries and its staff strive to meet the intellectual, academic, and recreational needs of the community. We provide a wide range of print and non-print resources as well as creative programming in a stimulating and enriching educational climate.

The Lower School program in Prouty Library involves a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the worlds of literature, information and imagination:

Weekly classes for grades K-5 where students focus on research skills and literacy appreciation.

Students listen to stories from a wide collection of children’s literature, learn how to research and responsibly use resources.

Library Hours

Monday thru Friday: 7:45 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

Middle and Upper School students use the Garfield Library for conducting research, reading, and study. Just as library resources are selected to meet the needs of our diverse community and curriculum, our programming is closely coordinated with classroom studies. Through collaborative efforts with classroom teachers, both formal and informal, the emphasis shifts to ensure students are prepared for learning in a digital world. This preparation includes the teaching of efficient and effective location of resources, critical evaluation of resources and the ethical use of information. As always, we strive to instill a life-long appreciation for literature and reading as a source of academic and personal growth.

About the Libraries

Electronic Resources: over 70 subscription databases, including electronic reference books that are accessible on campus and from home.

Kindle and Nook e-readers are available for loan; eBook selections are made upon request and can be educational or recreational.

Print Collection (includes books, periodicals, audio-visual and eBooks): 11,000 in the Prouty Library; 18,000 in the Garfield Library. Nearly 70 periodicals (magazines and newspapers) including French and Spanish.

Computers: 25 state-of-the-art networked iMac workstations and eight wireless laptops.

Facilities: Three conference rooms, carrels for independent study, tables for quiet collaboration, one multi-media viewing room, three projection systems, space for 24 students in the Prouty Library, and space for 82 students in the Garfield Library.

Prouty Library - 1,280 square feet; Garfield Library - 4,283 square feet