About the Library

Consistent with the New York City School Library System, the mission of our library is to create and maintain a dynamic and inclusive program that not only provides access to resources but also actively contributes to personal growth, academic success, inquiry, and collaborative spirit of the school community.

Our school library program supports the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students by:

• Providing physical and intellectual access to information in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment.

• Providing instruction, learning strategies, and practice in using ideas and information for effective learning.Integrating the library program throughout every student’s education through collaboration and advocacy.

The McKinley Library is one of only two elementary school libraries in District 1 staffed full-time by a certified Library Media Specialist. 

The library is a welcoming and safe haven for all students to think, create, share, and grow.  

Our library curriculum focuses on:

• Love of reading, promoting the love of reading by providing a diverse selection of current, high-interest reading materials for our students.  In our collection, children can find “mirrors and windows” (both reflections of themselves and views of others).

• Research/inquiry, supporting students’ natural curiosity by providing carefully curated resources as well as instruction in search strategies to find credible, useful, and developmentally-appropriate information. 

• Citizenship, preparing students for the responsibilities of being a community member in both physical and digital environments.  

• Creation and Innovation, encouraging meaningful, project-based problem-solving.  Our growing makerspace, funded by a NYC Department of Education Innovation Grant, is stocked with materials for textile arts (sewing, knitting, weaving), bookmaking, computer programming, and digital storytelling.