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Services provided by the library staff are an essential element of the academic program at Thacher. By the time students leave Thacher they have developed the skills and strategies they will need for the research and study required in college, and beyond.
The library at The Thacher School began in the 1890s in a small campus room, as a collection of books made possible by William Kent, Thacher family friend and father of some of our earliest alumni. In 1928, a building was constructed to house the collection and serve the community of 75 students and teachers. Three wings were added to the main building of the library over the years and in 1991 a major renovation, and addition to the library, was completed.
Today, the library houses an extensive collection of over 25,000 books, over 125 periodicals, 800 records and tapes, and a separate collection of nearly 10,000 classical records.
There are special collections and areas of particular strength: film, art and art history, California history, Robert Frost, and horse care and training. Computers in the library provide all of the school's networked applications, and laptops can be connected to one of many network sockets or wireless hubs located throughout the building.
The library is also home to a small gallery, the school's archives, and a music listening area. There is a growing collection of books by Thacher alumni in our special collections area. A catalog of the library book collection is accessible through the Internet and is augmented by extensive interlibrary loan resources and a wide variety of online databases.
Staff
The library staff is available throughout the academic day and beyond to assist students, faculty, and other users. Formal instruction begins with a Library Skills workshop in the 9th grade and continues through the Thacher years within classes and through one-on-one assistance.
Volunteers
The James G. Boswell Library is very grateful to volunteers who assist with book processing and many library projects.
Honor System
Use of the library and library materials is based on the honor system. Students and faculty have always enjoyed this privilege and accept the responsibility that is part of it. |