Elementary
The Runnels Elementary Library has over 19,000 volumes and the collection continues to broaden. In the summer of 2007, the library underwent an expansion project during which a Reference Room was dedicated to the memory of Virginia H. Runnels, a devoted educator and mother of Headmaster Dr. Kelly Runnels. The new section is home to fiction and reference books. Currently the library has several student computers, which primarily are used for the Accelerated Reader Program (click here to look up books that have coordinating tests, BOOKFINDER). To date, students using the Elementary Library have access to over 150,000 Accelerated Reader tests. The skills assessment tools that are available through this program are helpful to teachers and students alike, challenging students through tests specific to books they have read, and providing teachers with important reading level and comprehension information. Traditionally, 100 percent of the students in grades 1-6 participate in the Accelerated Reader Program.
In 2002, the school dedicated a portion of the Elementary Library in memory of former teacher and school librarian, Mrs. Gladys Marsh. A special collection about animals is on the shelves of our library, donated by Mrs. Marsh’s students, in honor of her retirement in 1988. A plaque, which hangs on the "archway" in the library, identifies the area where the collection resides as the "Gladys Marsh Reading Room." Mrs. Marsh, who passed away in August 2002, will always live on in our warm memories of her.
The Elementary Library houses a diverse collection which includes fiction, non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, and reference books. Children also have access to a large collection of books about the holidays and religions of many cultures, books reinforcing the Runnels School’s commitment to cultural diversity and awareness.
Talking about books with students and helping them to choose a level appropriate book specific to their needs and interests is the Elementary Librarian's favorite pastime!
Jr.High/High School
The Andy Mack Library, named in memory of a much-loved Runnels student who died in a car accident in 1985, is located on the first floor of Novak Hall. Andy will live on in our warm memories of him. The library has a diverse collection for reading and research currently supporting 10,000 titles as well as a variety of periodicals.
There are five computer stations in the Andy Mack Library for use of research resources as well as the school-wide Accelerated Reader program. This program is helpful to teachers and students alike, challenging students through tests specific to books they have read. The high school librarian, Dr. Giammanco, awards prizes each semester for students who earn the highest number of Accelerated Reader points.
The Andy Mack Library continues to grow, with new improvements and additions to the collection each year. This year, it greeted students with a fresh new look, beautiful new carpeting and newly painted sky-blue walls.
