FAQ

List of 15 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Library Tech Commons?

  The Library Tech Commons at The Allen-Stevenson School is a learning commons that integrates a traditional library, maker space, and various forms of technology to empower boys as learners. Our collaborative culture of inquiry encourages boys to develop their natural curiosity as they co-design their own learning. 

• What are the the Library Tech Commons hours?

  Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• When will my son be ready for Harry Potter/Tom Sawyer/The Hunger Games?

  Good question! As you probably know, there is more to consider here than just reading ability. Take a look at the article we wrote on this topic.

• When can upper school boys come to the Library Tech Commons?

  Upper School boys may come to the Library Tech Commons to read, study, or print assignments before school starting at 7:30AM and after school. During the school day, Upper School boys may come to the Library Tech Commons for research help or to take out a book during study halls. They may also come to the library for DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) during halftime everyday as long as they have signed up to do so in advance.

• I don't like my son reading comic books and I'm wondering why you have such a large graphic novel collection?

  We are huge fans of graphic novels as part of a balanced ‘reading diet.' There is so much to be said on this topic that we are going to refer you to an article that we wrote on the topic for an A-S publication. Click here to read the article.

• How do I access the Allen-Stevenson Guest network?

  • The guest network at Allen-Stevenson may only be used by parents and guests or visitors of Allen-Stevenson. At no time should this password be shared with students or put on student devices.
  • To obtain the password for the Allen-Stevenson Guest network please speak with a member of the Library/Tech team.

• What happens if I cannot find a book that I borrowed?

  From time to time, a boy may lose a book that he borrowed from the library. Instead of asking families to replace books, we wait until the end of the school year in the hope that a book may be found. We will bill for any necessary replacements at the end of the school year.
  
  If you believe that you have lost a book, please fill out the Lost Book Form.

• How do I get help with my computer?

  • For assistance with your computer, please open a helpdesk ticket with the tech department by emailing helpdesk@allen-stephenson.org.
  • Another option is to search the A-S Knowledge base and find the answer to your question on your own. For more information on the Knowledge Base or how to submit a helpdesk ticket please see the Get Help? section of the Library Tech Commons website.

• Why are you still reading picture books in library class, when my son can read longer books?

  Picture books are written at many levels and can actually be quite sophisticated. They generally leave certain things unsaid, allowing the pictures to enhance the story. Readers use the pictures to interpret the story and find meanings, thus practicing the important skill of inference. In addition, picture books expose boys to fine artwork, encourage creativity and stimulate their imaginations.

• Is there anything I need to do to take out a Kindle?

  Yes, just fill out our Kindle permission form and return it to the library. Kindles may be borrowed by boys in Grades 4 and up.

• How do I (a parent) create a library account to check out hard-copy books and to access digital books?

  • Please stop by the circulation desk or email Ms.Okeson (pokeson@allen-stevenson.org) so that we might create an account for you. Parents are always welcome to check out books!
  • The Library Tech Commons has an ever-expanding collection of eBooks and AudioBooks. Sora from OverDrive serves as our platform for digital books.

• Should I still read to my son even though he is reading to himself now?

  Absolutely! The longer you can read to your son the better. A few of our parents have even managed to do it right through the Upper School. Research shows that your son will understand the story better if you read it aloud (until 8th grade). Almost more to the point, it allows for some fascinating discussions and a chance to talk about difficult subjects. Inevitably it brings you closer. We have a new book in the library entitled The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction by Meghan Cox Gurdon. Please stop by to borrow it.

• Can my son use the Library Tech Commons by himself?

  • Upper school boys may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m.
  • Boys in fifth grade and above may work in the library after 3:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Parents and boys need to sign an After Hours Permission Form to keep on file in the library.

• When does the Library Tech Commons close each evening?

  The Library Tech Commons closes at 5:00 PM every day from Monday to Thursday.  On Fridays, we close at 3:30 PM.  If you notice that we have not locked the library after those times, it is because one of our team members is working late or the library is being cleaned. Occasionally we need to close early. We will always try to give advance notice about closings via The ASpect and the landing page of this website.

• Why does the school request that my lower or middle school son not read YA books at school if I say it is okay?

  Of course, parents, you will make your own decisions about what children read at home. However at A-S we are very mindful that YA or Young Adult is a publishing term that refers to books targeted at ages 12 and up. These books usually contain mature themes that boys need a certain amount of life experience to comprehend fully. They also tend to feature violence or sexuality that would be inappropriate, occasionally even disturbing, for younger boys. For this these reasons we restrict access to YA materials to the Upper School and, starting in the winter semester, the Sixth Grade. If you choose to buy YA books for your son, we ask that he read them at home and not bring them to school. We work very hard to be a community of readers at A-S and we frequently talk about what we are reading. Naturally boys want to read what their friends are reading and when a few boys bring in books with mature content that their friends are not allowed to borrow, it seriously weakens our reading community and our ability to help each other find great books.