In the Library, Convent of the Sacred Heart, 91st Street, New York City

According to Newton, when a beam of light hits a prism, that light is dispersed into a spectrum of component colors. Those colors are glorious on their own and have their own beauty. A second prism provides a point of convergence for the dispersed colors and a strong, unified beam again shines forth.

If Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s vision is the light and 21st century Sacred Heart Education is the first prism, the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education are the component colors, dispersed throughout the school. Each Goal is unique, each is important, each is a part of the whole. I see the library as a second prism, a point of convergence for the Goals where the discreet is set aside in favor of the whole. 

In the library, your children are encouraged to wonder, to ask questions, to mull, consider, research, and ponder. This contemplation of creation is inseparable from the contemplation of the Creator.  The more they learn about the world around them, created and beloved by God, the more they learn about God and their own relationship to God. Goal 1—A personal and active faith in God.

Your children learn the basic principles of solid research while they are in the library. In addition to learning skills ranging from locating a book on the shelf to on-line database searching, we have discussions about academic integrity, plagiarism, copyright, and the importance of critically evaluating information. They have the opportunity to check out books for the simple pleasure of enjoying a tale well told and then learn to express their reasoned thoughts to the group about what they have read. Their intellect, curiosity, and imagination are engaged. Goal 2—A deep respect for intellectual values.

This engagement might well spark ideas or further questioning and researching about why things are they way they are. This can lead to actions and suggestions about how to make our world a better place. Goal 3—A social awareness which impels to action.

If a student has a book, in order for someone else in the community to use it, it needs to be returned. Recognizing the multiple activities that can happen at the same time, the ideal noise level in the library is a hum such that everyone can do what needs to be done without being disturbed. Students often recommend books to each other. They share the riches with the community. Goal 4—The building of community as a Christian value.

Respecting others’ reading tastes/abilities, respecting the need for an atmosphere of  “energized contemplation” and studious activity, choosing to make the best use of resources and time…these are but some of the choices that the students can make while in the library. Goal 5—Personal Growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

The library is a space, a holy space, that shines with the light of faith and learning, hope and imagination, possibility and awe. It is a point of convergence for the Goals…not unlike the Heart.

Click here to see Kimberly King's profile.

Kimberly King rscj
Province of the Unites States