About Our Library
Teacher-Librarian, Head of Library:
Mrs. C. Skikos
Medway's Library Learning Commons
Physical Space & Resources: A Library Learning Commons is a shared space where students can work independently as well as collaboratively, academically as well as creatively under the guidance of the Teacher-Librarian. Our Library Learning Commons provides 2 meeting rooms that can be reserved, a variety of tech that can be borrowed, thousands of books that can be accessed, and various seating options available to meet the diverse needs of our learners. Our spaces are also used for large group learning opportunities, presentations, and club meetings.
Virtual Spaces & Program: Independent of the TVDSB Virtual Library Learning Commons, Medway is the only TVDSB school to offer a robust Virtual presence both on the BrightSpace learning platform, as well as this website, to further support our students in their learning. Our Library Program focuses on developing our students' skills so that they can independently and successfully use the virtual tools required for their academic research, evaluate and cite their resources, and develop various literacies to help them be successful in all aspects of their future.
Availability: Unfortunately, our Library is not fully staffed and therefore not open at all times to meet the needs of our students.
Library Hours
Our Library will only be OPEN for 3 periods out of 4 each semester in the 2022-23 school year.
Students must arrive with a note from their teacher except during lunch periods. Students on Spare must sign in.
Library hours are posted at the Library's entrance.
Book Sign Out
In-Person: Students can browse the Library collection and books can be signed out whenever the Library is open.
On-Line: Students can browse the Library collection via the Electronic Catalogue and put books on reserve. Students will receive an email to their gotvdsb mail account once books are ready for pick-up. Books can be picked up whenever the Library is open from the 'Books on Reserve' area at Circulation.
Renewals: Students can renew their books through their Account on the Electronic Catalogue, or in-person at our Library.
School Library Mission Statement
The mission of a school library program is to support staff and students, to provide resources that support their well-being, to support curriculum expectations, and to incorporate technology by providing current, adequate, and appropriate resources. A school library program encourages all members of the school community to become critical thinkers, lifelong readers, and effective users of information in all formats. An effective school library program helps students make a difference in their academic achievements, supports students as global learners, and helps students develop their literacy skills (as defined below).
There are 7 types of Literacy, as defined by the Ontario School Library Association in their 2010 Together for Learning document:
- Traditional Literacy
Traditional Literacy p18
• Reading and writing with depth and understanding
• Transferring information to new learning situations
2. Information Literacy
Information Literacy p19
• Accessing, processing, transferring, and communicating information
• Adapting to changing information and communication technologies
• Envisioning new ways to use these technologies to display new understandings
3. Media Literacy
Media Literacy p19
• Constructing meaning through the combination of several media “languages” – images, sounds, graphics, and words.
• Applying critical thought to what is viewed, heard and read
• Understanding the intended audience and purpose for communication
4. Visual Literacy
Visual Literacy p19
• Interpreting, creating, and using visual images
• Thinking, decision making and communicating
• Being aware of emotional impact of visuals
• Analyzing for patterns and trendsgraphics, and words.
5. Cultural Literacy
Cultural Literacy p20
• Gaining understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity
• Communicating effectively with diverse cultural groups
• Respecting differing cultural points of view
6. Digital Literacy
Digital Literacy p20
• Understanding, evaluating and integrating information in multiple formats
• Constructing information from multiple sources
• Utilizing multidimensional and interactive skills
7. Critical Literacy
Critical Literacy p20
• Looking at multiple sources
• Analyzing, synthesizing, retelling, relating, and reflecting
• Bringing personal experiences and understandings to information
Once our Library is again staffed full time, the following schedule will resume:
Open Daily: 8:00 - 11:40 am & 12:15 - 3:00 pm
*Our Library is sometimes Closed for Meetings & Special Events *
Check out the Library BrightSpace page.