Hours and Contact

Hours of Operation

• Monday-Thursday: 7:20am-3:30pm
• Friday: 7:20am-2:20pm

Calling the Library

• Circulation: (781) 314-6480
• Cataloguing: (718) 314-5583

Emailing the Library

• Waltham High School Library: HSLibrary@k12.waltham.ma.us
• Kendall Boninti, Library Teacher: bonintik@k12.waltham.ma.us

Our Mission

The mission of the WHS School Library program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.

The mission is accomplished by working collaboratively with teachers to develop differentiated, inquiry based learning experiences that support the curriculum and meet the unique interests, learning needs, and abilities our student body. Providing intellectual and physical access to materials in all formats. Providing instruction to foster competence and stimulate interest in reading, viewing, and using information and ideas. Maintaining a safe, tolerant environment where student diversity is valued, and instructional practices and collections are free of bias and prejudice. Developing and maintaining a collection that supports students curricular needs and reflects our school community's diverse histories, cultures, and experiences.

Library Policies

General Rules

• Students are allowed to eat in designated areas of the library.
• Speak softly.
• Do not reshelve library materials. Place them on a cart or stacked neatly on a table.
• All school rules apply in the library.

Borrowing Library Materials

• You must have your WHS I.D. to check out materials.
• Books and audiobooks/playaways go out for 3 weeks and may be renewed once. DVDs, laptops, and USB flash drives go out for one week and can be renewed once.
• You may not check out new books if you have books overdue. If you have an overdue book, an overdue notice will be sent to your A (7:30) Block class.
• Reference books and Magazines DO NOT circulate.
• If you lose or damage a book your are responsible for its cost.
• Do not checkout books for friends!

Using the Library

• Students may come to the library without a pass during lunch and before and after school. All other times, students must have a pass and must sign in at the Circulation desk.
• Lunch periods may be spent at the library. Students must stay for the entire lunch period and may not go to lunch first. Students will not be allowed in the library after the second bell rings. Students must sign-in on the attendance sheet at the circulation desk when they arrive to the library.

Computer Use

• To use the Internet a student must have signed an Acceptable Use Agreement and received a network ID and password.
• During the school day the computers are to be used for educational purposes only.
• 20min limit when students are waiting.
• Classes have priority.
• Log off before leaving any computer.

The Collection

The library's print collection contains more than 27,000 books, including biographies, critical materials, popular fiction, graphic novels, professional books, short stories, and over 14,000 nonfiction titles. The library subscribes to over 80 periodicals for reading and research purposes, including magazines in French and Spanish. The nonprint collection includes 200 audiobooks and playaways, 400 DVDs, computer software, laptops, AlphaSmarts, USB flash drives, and laptops for checkout. Students have access to eBooks, online databases, and a variety of other online resources through the library's website. Additionally, teachers can check out digital video cameras, digital cameras, CPS kits, and LCD projectors with DVD/VHS players.

Meet the Staff

Sandra Roby, Director Instructional Technology / Library

Kendall Boninti, Library Teacher

Hello, my name is Kendall Boninti and I am the library teacher at Waltham High School.

Debi Guelli, Cataloguer

Hi, my name is Debi, I'm the other Guelli in the library. I have worked at the high school for over 9 years, the first 2 years as an aide to a wonderful student who has since graduated college. I am now starting my 7th year as the Library Cataloguer, you may wonder "what is a cataloguer? " I'm responsible for getting all books, DVD's, materials, etc. ordered and shelf ready for student and faculty use. Some of my many talents are checking passes, confiscating hats, MP3's & other illegal devices and chasing you for the dime you owe for the copier. So feel free to drop by and visit, and please remember to bring a pass.

Joyce Guelli, Circulation

Hello, my name is Joyce Guelli and I have been working in the WHS Library for over 20 years. A lot of things have changed since I started, but some things will never change, like the pleasure I get from daily interaction with students and staff. The WHS Library is a bustling place to be; I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!

Betty Wisman-Rots, Circulation

My name is Betty Rots, and I have worked at the High School library since 1999. Before that I worked as data-analyst and editor at NASA. Reading has always been my favorite pastime: it allows me to meet all kinds of people, visit new places and get exposed to different ideas. I hope you enjoy the library as much as I do!

Sandy Hart, Foreign Language Teacher - Library After School

Hello, my name is Sandy Hart and I work in the library every day after school except Friday. I am also an Italian language teacher at the High School.