As the school year has come to a close, activity at the Ellinwood School/Community Library continues. Students who enjoy reading still stop in to check out books, explore new titles, and spend time in a familiar space. While classroom schedules may have ended, the library remains a year-round resource for learning, literacy, and support.

Many community members think of the library primarily as a place to check out books, but at the Ellinwood School/Community Library, library staff play an important role in the daily operation of the school district.

Throughout the school year, staff assist teachers by locating books and materials for classroom units, particularly for English and history courses. Students regularly visit the library for help finding resources, printing assignments, formatting projects, and troubleshooting technology issues.

The library also serves as a supervised space for students outside of traditional classroom settings. Student interns worked in the library under staff supervision, while special education services, tutoring sessions, internship schedules, and altered class arrangements often utilize library space throughout the day.

When teachers were briefly unavailable, classes may be brought to the library for monitoring. Staff also assist with students waiting for activities or practices, providing a productive environment for homework and group projects.

Beyond academics, library employees handle many behind-the-scenes responsibilities that support district operations. Mail for the school district is delivered to the library and distributed daily to offices. During summer months, library staff frequently receive deliveries for school buildings, answer questions from families regarding summer programs, and help direct visitors navigating school entrances.

Because the library remains open longer hours than school offices in many situations, it often becomes a first point of contact for families seeking information or assistance.

The Ellinwood School/Community Library serves as much more than a place to house books—it remains an active part of student support, school operations, and lifelong learning throughout the year.

Ellinwood School/Community Library Summer Hours

Ellinwood School/Community Library will start our Summer Library hours after Memorial Day Weekend. The changes will include being closed on the weekends and closing earlier on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:

Notice of summer hour changes beginning May 26

Monday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. to noon

Please note that we will be closing earlier on: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This is a change from previous summer hours.

We will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.