Onan Family Foundation Library, Julio Puente Garcia

ONAN FAMILY FOUNDATION LIBRARY

DR. JULIO PUENTE GARCIA, UPPER SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

At the end of August 2020, our Upper School library started an important renovation. Our main goals were to create an inviting student-centered space and update our current catalog to provide faculty and students with the best academic materials available.

In order to accomplish our purpose, we took into consideration the comments and recommendations of faculty and students, and redesigned the space adding new mobile furniture that allows students and faculty to work on their research projects individually or in groups in a quiet, comfortable, and well-equipped space. With this new design, entire classes are able to come to the library to participate in research workshops or other literacy programs (the picture above, for instance, shows our six graders working on their reading skills by using the Renaissance program).

Our Onan Family Foundation Library already possesses around 11,500 books, more than 500 DVS, and 18 periodical subscriptions. Following ISF’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we plan to add three more sections: A comic section to attractmiddle school students (as well as other comic aficionados at ISF); World literature in original languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and others); and a LGBTQIA+ section. Students, parents, faculty, and staff are very much welcome to make any suggestions that can help us improve our library.

The library will continue to support students and faculty not only by offering guidance regarding research projects, but also by collaborating in other literacy programs. During the fall quarter, the 500-WordsCompetition was a tremendous success (we will soon publish an edited volume of the best stories). We are also planning to celebrate a Harry Potter Night in Winter, and will continue with our multiple book and film clubs through the year.

Students in Grade 11 Book Club, from left to right: Thomas, Anna, Ana Maria, Sophia, Zeynep, Stella, Nereo, Luisa, Bernardo, Jack.

“When my parents first told me about the 500 word competition, my heart leapt to my throat. I am a very self conscious person, I don’t like to be the center of attention a lot, and if I’m going to be completely honest I didn’t want to do it at first. But I finally gave in, and after doing some research, I decided to write about a topic that I’m extremely passionate about: Women’s rights. Originally, I got this inspiration from a book I had recently read called ‘Shabanu’. I actually wrote the whole story sitting on my bed, ignoring my mom calling me downstairs to eat dinner. When I (finally) went downstairs, I let my dad read it and he jokingly said, “Where did you copy this from?” And although he didn’t say anything about changing anything or that he thought it was good; that one remark gave me confidence. After I submitted the story, I kind of forgot about the whole process, and when my dad said that I had won, it completely shocked me. I didn’t think at all that I would win. In the end, I am proud of my work, and I am happy that I was able to experience this.”

- Allegra DiFlorio, Grade 6