• “Explore ... Imagine ... Communicate. 
            Do it all at the library!”

    “The real objective of education is to give children resources that will endure as long as life endures.”
                                                             - Sidney Smith, 1838
     
    The educational philosophy of the Upper St. Clair School District is twofold: to foster an interest in books and reading that will grow and develop into a life-long enjoyable habit and to provide sequential library skill development that culminates in students growing in their ability to find, generate and apply information so that they will function effectively as individuals and participate fully in society. The mission of the school media program is to ensure that all students and staff members are effective users of ideas and information and are provided with both traditional resources as well as new technologies. The goals of the library program, K-12, are accompanied by a curriculum that promotes a positive attitude towards learning, an appreciation of literature and provides materials of sufficient breadth and scope to allow each child to develop to his/her greatest potential.

    The sequential library skill development culminates in students growing in their ability to use the library and its many and varied resources. The libraries have become “the hub” for curriculum related activities.

    In October 2005, our high school library was selected to be a part of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) School Tours Program.   AASL's national conference was held in Pittsburgh, PA in October 5-9, 2005.
     
    The Pennsylvania School Librarian’s Association selected the Upper St. Clair School Library Programs K-12 as the recipient of the 1995 Outstanding Pennsylvania School Library Media Program Award.
     
    In April 2010, the USC District Libraries were awarded a grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities and the American Library Association.  Each library received 17 books and DVD bonus materials based on the theme of A More Perfect Union.  This award comes with perfect timing as our nation begins the observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the end of slavery in America.  Please click here to read a press release that includes a list of resources awarded to each library in the district.
     
    On October 5, 2010, the Pa. House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 987, a resolution asking the State Board of Education with Pa. Dept. of Education to conduct a study of public school library services for K-12 students. The study will measure and compare access to print and electronic resources, support and instruction in the use of information and research and evaluate how resources are allocated for school library services in relation to student and community circumstances. The official position of the House as stated in the resolution is that “Students and teachers need high-quality school library services and related educational resources in order to meet this Commonwealth's academic standards for research and learning in all core academic subjects."  Rep. Mark Longietti of Mercer County was the lead sponsor of the resolution, supported by the Education Law Center and the Pa. School Librarians Association.
     
  • Baker Elementary School Library 
  • Eisenhower Elementary School Library
  • Streams Elementary School Library
  • Boyce Middle School Library
  • Fort Couch Information Center
  • Upper St. Clair High School Library