In the fall of 2008, children at Lakewood Montessori enjoyed the opening of the new school library.  The event was highly anticipated and would not have come to pass were it not for the tireless efforts of the Lakewood Montessori PTO.

 The library is named for Gwen Smith, a former teacher at the school.  When Gwen retired after 38 years of teaching, she donated her vast collection of books to the children of Lakewood Montessori.  Her donation was the beginning of a compilation that now boasts nearly 4,000 books.  
 
The library has a unique organization system that is specially designed to complement the Montessori curriculum.  This makes it easy for teachers and children to check out books that support classroom learning.  Consequently, the library and classroom work to support one another.  Besides curriculum areas, other sections include picture and board books, beginning readers, foreign language, and a sizable fiction section.  Additionally, there are extensive teacher resources, and a parent resource section.  
 
The library is always growing!  Teachers can request that certain books be purchased, and many families have donated good quality used books.  PTO Volunteers are on hand to check in and re-shelve books, as well as do book repair.  All children at Lakewood Montessori visit the library once a week during morning class time.  Each child is invited to choose a book to check out for a week at a time.  

Mary Clements
Lakewood Montessori, Boise, ID