The DHS Library is committed to serving and supporting the educational needs of the students and the staff.
The Library maintains a collection of over 40,000 items, including print and AV materials, that are indexed by the public access catalog OPAC. The computerized circulation system allows us to easily identify books that are in circulation and to place a reserve on requested items. This system is integrated with a computerized card catalog that allows patron to search for Library materials electronically at school and at home. The reference collection in the library is extensive and designed to meet the needs of each department’s curriculum. Also included in our holdings are a wide variety of periodicals, many of which are retained in our periodical archives and/or on microfiche. Periodicals are indexed by the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature and ProQuest Platinum which is a full-text Internet based database of newspapers and magazines. In addition to our outstanding holdings, the DHS Library subscribes to several online databases to further support the information needs of our students and teachers. Users may print out or email articles from school as well as access the database from remote locations.
All materials in the Library are available for circulation. Due dates and fines vary according to the type of material. Items placed on reserve for class use are held behind the Circulation Desk. They may be signed out for use for one period or checked out at the end of the day for return the following morning. Overdue reminders will be distributed regularly through homerooms. All items may be renewed if no reserve has been made on the item.
Resource |
Loan Period |
Fines |
Books |
2 weeks |
$0.10/day |
Magazines |
Overnight |
$2.00/day |
Reference |
Overnight |
$2.00/day |
Reserves |
Overnight |
$2.00/day |
Videos |
1 week |
$0.25/day |
CDs |
1 week |
$0.25/day |
The Library is a place for quiet work and study. Students who wish to socialize should use the cafeteria. The Library is governed by a simple rule: Be considerate of others. Students may talk quietly while working in the open area but must maintain silence in the study carrels reserved for silent work.
The DHS Library has numerous computers that are available for students to use in a responsible manner. Use of the computers is for curriculum related purposes only and subject to the terms of the Computer Use Agreement that students and parents sign. Any improper use of any of the computers may result in loss of computer privileges.
The library teachers will be glad to provide assistance with the selection of books for assignments and for leisure reading. We also have bibliographies available on specific topics.
The Library belongs to the Connecticut Library Network that shares resources through project reQuest, an online catalog that allows us to locate materials all over the state. Available through the Internet, reQuest allows you to send your own inter-library requests. Please see a library teacher for instructions
We welcome your suggestions for books to add to the Library collection. Books are ordered throughout the year as needed. Some requests can be filled in a few days while others may take some time. It is important to make your requests as early as possible. Please see a library teacher about your requests.
Library teachers will provide assistance to students preparing Works Cited pages for their research assignments. School supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, index cards, hi-liters, 3.5" disks, stamps, folders and report covers may be purchased at the circulation desk. There is a coin-operated photocopier located behind the circulation desk as well as free microfiche reader printers and scanner. If there are other services that you require, please ask a library teacher. We will do our best to serve you!
The DHS library online databases can be accessed from school and from home. Not sure of the login and password? Email jabennett@darienps.org. iCONN can be accessed from home with a public library card number.