How Stories Come Alive at Country School

The library at The Country School isn't just a place to check out books, it's where stories leap off the pages and into students' imaginations. Under the guidance of librarians Shari Lariviere and Kristin Liu, Elmore Library has transformed into a dynamic learning space where PreS through 8th Graders discover the joy of reading through hands-on exploration and creative play.

Each month, the library's youngest visitors encounter a new themed area designed to bring books to life. In September, students explored fairy gardens inspired by Tracy Kane's beloved Fairy Houses series, creating miniature worlds with movable parts and pieces. This hands-on experience perfectly complements the 2nd Grade's annual field trip to the Florence Griswold Museum to visit the Wee Faerie Village, creating meaningful connections between literature and real-world experiences.

October brings castles and mysteries to life with a large wooden castle populated by simple wooden figures—intentionally designed without faces to encourage unlimited imaginative play. "It's completely up to their imagination how they want to manipulate things," explains Lariviere. Each class approaches the space differently: sometimes nine 1st Graders collaborate on an elaborate scene, other times small groups play side by side, each creating their own narrative.

Liu loves observing how differently each group engages with the materials. "Sometimes it looks like a store window on Fifth Avenue when they leave, and sometimes it looks like a tornado's just come through, but they're making it their own each time."

What makes Elmore Library truly special is how it welcomes students of all ages to play and explore. The themed centers, designed for younger students, regularly attract Middle Schoolers who "sneak over" to create their own scenes during study hall. Seventh graders recently made hand turkeys for Thanksgiving—some for the very first time.

"There's no race at The Country School to be older," notes Liu, who chose to keep her own children in a PreS-8 environment for this very reason. "It offers such incredible opportunities for the kids to stay young while still giving them amazing leadership opportunities." Whether it's students swinging at recess every day or holding hands as they walk to lunch, the school's culture celebrates childhood at every stage.

The library's commitment to literary engagement extends beyond themed play areas. A dedicated writing center for middle school students features monthly author studies that inspire creative writing. Recent focuses have included the mysterious worlds of Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar Express and Jumanji, whose "slightly dangerous feeling" stories with big mysteries invite imaginations to run wild.

The library also brings contemporary authors to campus. Recent visits from Sophie Blackall and Kyle Lukoff have energized students' reading interests, and a planned visit from local author Sara Levine in late January is sure to spark our STEAM learners of all ages leading into our Family STEAM Night on 2/12/26. But Lariviere and Liu are equally passionate about resuscitating classics, celebrating authors like Patricia Polacco, Cynthia Rylant, and Chris Van Allsburg whose books deserve renewed attention.

The results speak for themselves: checkout rates are climbing as students discover books through interactive experiences. "It's not just a corner of the library that has come alive," Liu observes. "It's the whole library."

The Elmore Library exemplifies The Country School's educational philosophy in action—a microcosm of how the school builds a world for students so they can take on the world. By honoring childhood, celebrating literature, and creating spaces where imagination flourishes, Lariviere and Liu have transformed their library into the beating heart of campus.