Libraries designed for learning
Westminster’s libraries are hubs of academic growth for students of all ages. Our library department empowers students to become critical thinkers, skillful researchers, ethical users and producers of information, and enthusiastic lifelong learners. From author talks to study nooks to access to thousands of fiction and non-fiction titles, our libraries enrich the intellectual life of every Wildcat.
Enhancing the Student Experience
Empowering students to acquire, evaluate, and use information
In the Lower and Middle Schools, students learn information literacy from their teachers and librarians through an intentionally designed and carefully scaffolded program. Upper School students receive direct instruction from research librarians and have access to a vast collection of college-level scholarly resources and databases. In each division, library faculty work to impart the importance of critical thinking in research.
Cultivating each student’s love of reading
Westminster’s libraries include a diverse collection of children’s books, young adult literature, periodicals, and adult fiction and nonfiction across genres—helping each student connect with literature. All-School reading events in the Lower School and thriving book clubs in the Middle and Upper Schools encourage students to discover the joy of reading. In addition to physical resources, students and faculty can access more than 100,000 digital titles for research and for pleasure.
Creating spaces to connect, collaborate, and explore
Westminster’s libraries are centers of community activity. The Lower School’s Smythe Gambrell Library regularly hosts visiting authors and project work groups, while the Middle School’s George Woodruff Library is the meeting place for several book clubs. The Upper School’s Carlyle Fraser Library facilitates small-group and individual study and hosts special events throughout the year, including guest speakers, club meetings, and the annual Messiah reception.
Library Happenings
Lower School Tinkerspace
In the Lower School’s Smythe Gambrell Library Tinkerspace, librarians collaborate with design thinking teachers to bring texts to life in new ways. This innovative space is equipped with the tools students need to create, engineer, explore, and tinker with the things and ideas that make up their world.
Middle School Research Lessons
Librarians in the Middle School’s George Woodruff Library work collaboratively with teachers to provide comprehensive research instruction. Teachers and librarians create and teach research-integrated projects together to help students master key research skills and concepts. Every student leaves the Middle School with a firm understanding of their responsibility as discerning, ethical researchers.
The Donn M. Gaebelein Christian Enrichment Collection
The Upper School’s Carlyle Fraser Library boasts a comprehensive collection of Christian research and literature. The Donn M. Gaebelein Christian Enrichment Collection enables students to explore the Christian faith past and present.
“The Christian Library at Westminster is second to none. The multitude of resources for the students and faculty make the rich academic study of the scriptures possible and allow the best possible biblical education.”
– Rev. Dr. David Charney, US Chaplain
The Lewis H. Beck Archives
The Carlyle Fraser Library houses the Lewis H. Beck Archives—a state-of-the-art archival facility and the official repository for the history of Westminster (1951 to present) and its predecessor schools, Washington Seminary (1878-1953) and North Avenue Presbyterian School (1909-1951). Utilizing professional standards to collect, describe, preserve, and make available documents and artifacts from alumni, faculty, and administrators, the Archives staff assists in the operation of the School and provides a research center for the study of the School's history and its continuing development. The Beck Archives welcomes all qualified researchers, as well as members of the Westminster community.
Libraries by the Numbers
Across our three libraries, students have access to a multitude of resources and spaces that enhance their academic journeys. It’s no wonder the Upper School Library was voted one of our students’ favorite places on campus!
6
full-time librarians
75K
print books
100+
research databases
37K
books circulated in 2022–23
2
floors of study space in the Upper School
100K+
e-books