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The BAA Library is the intellectual center of the Boston Arts Academy community. We offer a rich collection of resources to enhance our students’ education, both academically and artistically.

Overview

We promote information literacy, appreciation for literature, critical thinking, and respect for diversity to prepare our students to thrive in today’s information-rich society. Our library program works closely with Simmons College’s School of Library Science and we offer a range of 21st century teaching and learning opportunities:

  • Student growth in their appreciation of and deep discussions about literature

  • Independent, free agent learning that fosters independent, lifelong critical thinking and participation in our democratic society

  • A Virtual Learning Commons where students use the power of information and technology, the physical space of the library as an extension of the classroom, academic and arts curriculum through collaborative forums with one another, and, when relevant, experts in a given field of study or practice. Learn More

  • Students are welcome to use library resources for school assignments and for their own personal enrichment.

Our Library opened in 1999 thanks to the generosity of the Harcourt General Charitable Foundation. In 2004, we won the prestigious National School Library Media Program of the Year Award from the American Association of School Libraries. In 2017 and 2020, our library director won the MA School Library Association’s President’s Award, which honors school librarians who make an impact on student learning.

Hours

School Year

  • Monday: 7:30 – 7:50 a.m. | 2:15 – 3:45 p.m.

  • Tuesday: 7:30 – 8 a.m. | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday: 7:30 – 8 a.m. | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

  • Thursday: 7:30 – 8 a.m. | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

  • Friday: 7:30 – 7:50 a.m. | 12:40 – 1 p.m.

If visiting the Library during A-G blocks, students are asked to bring a Library Pass from a teacher.

The Library is closed during the summer.

Resources

Our Library holds an exemplary collection of over 15,000 items that includes books, periodicals, recordings, art prints and posters, slides and video tapes. The collection includes extensive literature, history and multicultural materials as well as over 500 classical music CDs on loan from the Tanglewood Music Center. A collection of over 5,000 slides donated by the Museum of Fine Arts is available for loan to the public.

Even more resources can be found at our Virtual Learning Commons HERE.

Expectations

We embrace the “Learning Commons” Model. A Learning Commons is a collaborative physical and virtual environment that invites and ignites participatory learning. Students in the library are often working on class assignments in different group configurations and/or finding time to pursue personal research. Consideration and cooperation is expected to maintain a friendly and productive atmosphere.

Boston Arts Academy Foundation

Talent is evenly distributed in society, but not opportunity. Help us change that reality in Boston.

Make a 100% tax-deductible donation to support Boston students. Contact us at (617) 763-1151.

Prefer to mail a check?

Make checks payable to Boston Arts Academy Foundation

126 Brookline Ave. 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02215

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