What to Expect from the ESA Library
The Etobicoke School of the Arts Library is a bustling hub of collaborative, cooperative, digital, global, and individual learning. With Teacher Librarians and a wealth of digital and print resources, students learn to locate, assess, process, and create the information they need for assignments, to read for fun and for depth, explore, and to become independent lifelong learners.
The Teacher Librarian is available to collaborate with classroom teachers across subject areas to design and carry out inquiry assignments, select and teach effective and ethical use of print and online resources, and maintain a physical and virtual program for students. Both individual and group instruction is available to students who wish to use these resources and learn the proper techniques of research documentation.
In addition to the materials you would expect to find in any secondary school library, the ESA Library is home to a multimedia collection of recreational and curriculum support materials with a special emphasis upon the arts programs offered at ESA. In addition to a large collection of circulating books, there are:
- unique special collections of reference books, French materials, playscripts, artbooks, videos, CDs, music and music theatre scores;
- a substantial collection of DVDs for academics, music theatre, drama and especially film students
Library Programming and Resources
- Research, exploration, and study are the primary focus of the Library
- Virtual Library Research Site
- Online Subscription Databases – the login credentials are available from the librarian at the front circulation desk.
- 18,000+ books, 30+ Windows desktop computers, 30+ Chromebooks
- Upper and lower level Conference Rooms are available for staff and students to book
- The Walden Room, our quiet zone, part of ESA’s Wellness Initiatives
- Printing: Black & White and colour copies (50 cents to $1 per page, depending on the extent of the job).
- Photocopying
Some Library Events & Activities
- Library Volunteers
- College and University Visits
- Truth and Reconciliation Day “Orange Shirt Day”
- Halloween Reads
- Remembrance Day
- Holiday Reads
- Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Black History Month
- Women’s History Month
- Asian Heritage Month
- Pride Month
- Visiting Authors
- White Pine Reading Club
- Just Read It
- Freedom to Read Week
Library Loans
- Books – 3 weeks
- Reference materials do not circulate
- Graphic Novels – 1 week
- DVD’s – overnight
- Maximum 5 items per student at any given time.
- All items may be renewed as often as necessary
- students may now renew their materials (twice) online themselves when they logon to the ESA Library Catalogue.
- Lost or damaged items are subject to full replacement costs or payment in kind. Speak to your Teacher Librarian
Library Hours
- The library is open during regular class times for teachers to book classes in to work with the Teacher Librarian or on their own with their classes.
- The Library is a busy space.
- Students on spares are welcome to use the Library, when and where space allows, unless there are special events taking place which render it closed. We have lots of special events!
- Additionally, the Teacher-Librarian volunteers her extra-curricular time to keep the library open after school (Monday to Thursday till 4:00 pm).
- A team of Library Volunteers help to keep the Library open and operational. Visit the library to learn about opportunities for volunteering.
Accessing Library Resources Outside Library Hours
Additional support for students, staff, and parents is available 24/7.