With internet access, curriculum related software, and a diverse collection of books and other print and non-print materials, the Primary and Elementary libraries serve the information needs of GMS students. The mission of the library program is to inspire and encourage a lifelong love of reading and literature and to teach students to locate, evaluate, and use information independently and effectively. The objectives of the Library program are consistent with the Information Standards for Student Learning of the ALA and AECT:

A person who is information literate:
• Accesses information - efficiently and effectively
• Evaluates information - critically and competently
• Uses information - effectively and creatively
• Pursues information - related to personal interests
• Appreciates and enjoys - literature and other creative forms of expression
• Strives for excellence - in information seeking and knowledge generation
• Behaves ethically - in regard to information and information technology

In keeping with best educational and Montessori practices, students are active participants in learning to use library resources. Third year Primary (All Dayer) students visit the Primary library (upstairs in the Merion Square building) once a week for 30 minute classes which include group instruction, stories read aloud, storytelling and discussion. Each class ends with time for browsing and nestling comfortably into our much loved "armchair" cushions where children read independently or in pairs.

At the Elementary level, the “Big Six” skills are taught as a framework to provide students with a step by step information solving process which can be used across the curriculum and throughout their lives. Most of this instruction takes place one-on-one or in pairs of children. In this “teachable moment”, they move frequently, purposefully and freely to the Elementary library (located just outside the Lower El classrooms) to do their research. In addition, a weekly 45 minute class held in the Primary library provides the opportunity for group instruction, stories and other literature read-aloud, storytelling, discussion, browsing, quiet reading time, and book exchange.

Two important components of our Library program take place every year. The PTA organizes a four day book sale each fall during parent conference days and gives a generous portion of the profits to our libraries. The Library Legacy project, begun in 1998, is a book sale which takes place annually during Fall Festival and Spring Fling. Books for this sale are selected by the librarian to support student research and leisure reading interests and requests. Parents and other members of the GMS community are invited to select and purchase a book to be dedicated to a child, teacher, relative or friend, and donated to the school libraries. The dedication message for each book is inscribed on a beautiful GMS bookplate. These events have helped to build our libraries in a very meaningful way, bringing hundreds of new books and much goodwill to our school community.