About

An effective school library can make an immense positive impact on the lives of its students. To support that vision, the mission of the Whitefish High School Library is to provide the Space, Resources, and Freedom for every student to Think, Create, Share, and Grow.

Space: The Library strives to maintain an inviting space by providing a variety of flexible-use areas, clear signage, and programming that welcomes and serves all patrons. The classroom space is used for meetings and collaborative units or lessons. In addition, numerous individual and small collaboration spaces are available for student use around the Library. Classes and students also have access to the deck and conference room. You may view current reservations on our calendar; if you wish to reserve a time, please email a librarian.

Resources: Books are our most obvious resource, but the Library also regularly purchases and circulates a variety of other materials, including digital research resources, DVDs, magazines, archival items, instructional support materials, analog games, and makerspace supplies. All patrons should follow our borrowing limits, out of respect for others who may wish to use those items. The librarians themselves are also a resource for students and staff. We welcome ideas for collaboration on instructional units or lessons, special events, and programs. If any student or staff member would like to request an item, they could contact a librarian or simply fill out our Library Wishes form. Note that all items added to the collection are subject to our collection development policy (see WSD Board Policy #2309).

Freedom: One core purpose of a Montana school library is to teach students to "exercise freedom to read and demonstrate the ability to pursue personal interests" (LM.EF.9-12). Our Library extends and defends the personal freedom of all our staff and students, subject to school governance. Students may visit the Library during Flex or lunch with a pass, and sometimes during classes (after prioritizing their scheduled class). The Library also sponsors several clubs and is open to sponsorship of new clubs. We facilitate students wishing to enrich their education by taking online courses not offered in person at WHS. Food and drinks are allowed to be consumed in our space, and other positive activities are encouraged, as long as patrons maintain respect for schoolwide expecations and the rights of others using the Library.

Think, Create, Share, Grow: Our work is guided by the Library Media Standards adopted by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. These standards include skills such as: thinking critically, expressing ideas through creative products, working effectively with others, and devleoping a global perspective. We strive to build these competencies in students who visit our space, and also to support and serve the school community at large in our collective mission to engage each student to succeed.