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Untitled design (28)
Academics
Program & Curriculum
Library
The Julian Rettger Memorial Library
A place to read, research, create, and connect
Nestled in the heart of campus, our sunny, light-filled Library is a favorite gathering place where students of all ages explore stories, seek out information, and discover the joy of lifelong reading. With more than 15,000 books, cozy reading nooks, and open areas for collaboration, the Library is a vibrant hub for ideas, creativity, research, and learning.
Our collection spans a rich array of fiction and nonfiction for all levels and interests, with an intentional focus on diverse voices and perspectives, offering students both mirrors that reflect their own experiences and windows into the lives of others. ECE and Lower School students visit weekly for storytime and book checkout, while Middle Schoolers come often, individually and with their classes, to read, research, and work on projects.
The Library supports our academic program while also encouraging independent exploration. Students begin by learning how to care for books, navigate the collection, and explore new genres. As they grow, they develop key research skills—finding credible sources, taking notes, citing correctly—and become informed, ethical digital citizens. Library services extend far beyond our shelves, with 24/7 access to e-books, databases, and custom-designed online research guides that align with classroom learning.
Our collection spans a rich array of fiction and nonfiction for all levels and interests, with an intentional focus on diverse voices and perspectives, offering students both mirrors that reflect their own experiences and windows into the lives of others. ECE and Lower School students visit weekly for storytime and book checkout, while Middle Schoolers come often, individually and with their classes, to read, research, and work on projects.
The Library supports our academic program while also encouraging independent exploration. Students begin by learning how to care for books, navigate the collection, and explore new genres. As they grow, they develop key research skills—finding credible sources, taking notes, citing correctly—and become informed, ethical digital citizens. Library services extend far beyond our shelves, with 24/7 access to e-books, databases, and custom-designed online research guides that align with classroom learning.
What We Value
Our Library program is built on a foundation of equity, access, and creativity. We believe in:
- Reading for joy and growth
- Multiple literacies—from traditional to digital
- Diverse voices and perspectives, with a focus on historically underrepresented groups
- Community and collaboration with students, faculty, and families
- Student agency through self-directed inquiry and creative expression
- Innovation and technology that support learning
- Free and open access to knowledge for all
What Students Learn
List of 4 items.
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Library Skills
Responsible book care, navigating the collection, and genre fluency -
Research Skills
Accessing resources, developing search strategies, taking notes, and creating citations -
Digital Citizenship
Practicing online safety, maintaining privacy, understanding copyright, and addressing cyberbullying -
Technology Literacy
Building skills in coding, multimedia creation, and responsible use of digital tools
Honoring Julian Rettger '03
The Library is named in memory of Julian Rettger, a 2003 Seven Hills graduate. Following Julian’s passing in 2010, his family established Julian’s Fund for Emotional Well-Being to support student wellness and enrich the life of the school. The Library bears Julian’s name in recognition of his passion for books.
975 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
The School admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.
