The Gill Library, an information center for middle and upper school students and all staff and faculty, strives to meet both curricular and recreational resource needs while encouraging all individuals to become independent, lifelong learners and readers. We provide a wide array of resources in welcoming, innovative, and flexible common spaces for the purpose of supporting and encouraging the exploration of interests and the pursuit of passions in accordance with ESD's mission and educational philosophy. 

Matching readers with the right book is a formidable task, varying by student interest, reading level, and level of maturity, and complicated by the fact that books are not rated by a centralized authority. The Gill Librarians recognize that families (guided by resources like Common Sense Media) are best informed to make these decisions, and we look forward to partnering with families to support their students’ growth and love of reading.   

The library includes fiction and nonfiction books for Middle Grade (recommended for readers ages 8-12 with a yellow ribbon on the spine), Young Adult (recommended for readers ages 12-18 with a blue ribbon) and Adult readers starting in 9th grade, indicated by a red ribbon. While the level of fiction books is already indicated with a ribbon on the spine, we are in the process of classifying our nonfiction collection.

Students in fifth and sixth grades may only check out books designated Middle Grade. Since the Middle Grade designation reflects the average or expected reading level, world-view, thematic interests, and maturity of readers, it may be too restrictive for mature readers in these grades. Families may choose to allow their fifth and sixth graders to borrow books designated Young Adult by completing the form below.

Update Your Student's Borrowing Privileges

Starting in the spring of seventh grade, students may check out books designated Middle Grade and Young Adult. Families may opt out and limit their seventh and eighth graders to books designated Middle Grade. Alternatively, families may choose to allow their seventh and eighth graders to borrow books designated Adult. Please complete the form below to make changes to your seventh or eighth grader’s borrowing privileges.

Update Your Student's Borrowing Privileges