News & Press

May 2026 | Issue 7

Increasingly, I read about new initiatives to pull back on the use of technology in schools. Parents, educators and legislators are seeking ways to find the right balance, especially given the integration of AI into so many aspects of our lives. It occurs to me that this balancing act will have a direct impact on how we think about school libraries and the technology employed within them — and it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds. To me, a library has its own magic — one that the term “media center” does not convey. Thinking about the new library at the Lesley Ellis School, it’s good to be reminded of the power of libraries — separate from technology — for students to explore and pursue new interests, to conduct research, to deeply engage in a book, and to build communities of learners. They are very special places, as the Lesley Ellis Library has proven to be since the first day it opened.

Until next time,

Paul Stein

Executive Director

A Library for the Future of Learning at Lesley Ellis School

In September, Lesley Ellis School unveiled the Deanne Benson Library, a dynamic new academic space designed to support the school’s continued growth and evolving approach to teaching and learning.

Named in honor of former Head of School Deanne Benson, the library reflects not only a legacy of leadership, but a broader institutional commitment to innovation, expansion, and academic excellence.

Purposefully designed to serve students from early childhood through middle school, the library blends the best of traditional scholarship with modern learning practices. Students build foundational research skills by navigating a print and digital collection of thousands of books, learning informational literacy skills, and engaging deeply with texts across disciplines. At the same time, the space supports collaborative work, interdisciplinary projects, and presentations that mirror the demands of today’s classrooms.

The collection is intentionally curated, offering classic literature alongside contemporary works that reflect diverse voices and perspectives. This balance reinforces Lesley Ellis School’s mission to develop critical thinkers who are both grounded in knowledge and responsive to the world around them.

Beyond its academic function, the library serves as a central gathering place for the school community. It regularly hosts class meetings, student presentations, and community events, creating opportunities for connection, dialogue, and shared discovery.

While technology continues to shape education, Lesley Ellis School approaches innovation with purpose. The library is a place where students think deeply, research effectively, and engage meaningfully with resources.

As the first phase of a broader campus enhancement plan, the library signals an exciting future for Lesley Ellis School, with additional investments, including a new performing arts center which is already underway.

At its core, the Deanne Benson Library represents what defines Lesley Ellis School: a rigorous academic foundation, a commitment to growth, and a clear vision for the future of education.

Learn More About Lesley Ellis School