By Jennifer Gibson-Millis, Library Team Leader
Hello YIS families! We are excited to start a new year with our community.
Our library team includes; Jennifer Gibson-Millis – MS & HS Librarian, Charity Cantlie – ES Librarian and Miyuki Fujishiro – Japanese Collection Librarian.
We especially welcome Charity Cantlie, our new ES Teacher Librarian. Having lived and worked across Canada, Indonesia, and the UAE, she brings a global perspective and a deep understanding that stories connect us no matter where we are in the world. Together, we are passionate about fostering a love of reading and inquiry in every student, and creating a library space that is welcoming to everyone.
The Power of Reading
As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This perfectly captures how our library community works together to create something special. Reading is at the heart of the IB inquiry-based learning, sparking questions and making connections.
Family Reading at Home
Reading together strengthens family bonds while nurturing minds across all age groups. Whether you have a kindergartener just discovering picture books or a high schooler diving into complex novels, prioritizing reading as a family creates a culture of learning that benefits everyone. When families model reading together, children see it as a valued, enjoyable activity. Consider setting aside dedicated family reading time where everyone reads their chosen book in the same space, sharing discussions afterwards. Let every family member choose books that spark their interests.
Resources for Parents
Thanks to a PTSA grant, we have a Parent Resource Center (PRC) located in the Community Room featuring books on parenting, child development, and many other family topics. Parents can check out these resources for three weeks in either the first floor hub or main library.
Additionally, parents are welcome to check out up to ten books from our library (catalog link) for your personal reading or family support. Whether you’re seeking Japanese classics, science fiction, or your next book club selection, we are here to help you find the perfect read.
Join our Volunteer Community
Our library thrives due to our parent volunteers who help us manage our collection of over 20,000 books. Last year, volunteers helped us to process 1,500 returned books in just the first week after summer holidays! Whether you love organizing, have a knack for the Dewey Decimal system, or enjoy the detective work of tracking down lost books, there’s a place for you.
As a parent volunteer, Mojca, shares that the library, “…represents the heart of the school to me,” while Yumi notes how volunteering expanded her knowledge of books while connecting with fellow book lovers.
If you’re interested in joining our volunteer team, please complete this Google form for an upcoming library orientation.
Looking Ahead
Together, we can ensure our library remains a magical place where every child feels empowered as a reader and thinker. We look forward to seeing you soon.