Our Library

The Katz Library for the Upper Division is a central hub of student activity at Horace Mann School. Between making reading recommendations for pleasure reading, helping with databases, or assisting in finding books for specific projects, the librarians and staff are always available to students and faculty.

Because we believe that research skills should not be learned in a vacuum, but rather should be tied to curricula, librarians work closely with faculty and students to provide detailed instruction around specific assignments. To this end, the library collects heavily in the areas that will support the curriculum and we consistently order books upon request.

The Library’s collection houses nearly 54,000 books and DVDs, as well as many print and digital magazines. The Library has access to nearly half a million ebooks and audiobooks for both leisure reading and school projects. In addition, the Katz Library subscribes to roughly fifty research databases that are available 24/7 through remote access with a student or faculty ID. The library provides seating for 180 students, with soft-seating areas for comfortable leisure reading and studying. Over forty laptops are available for student use in the library, as well as twenty desktops. Seven group study rooms, located on both floors of the library, allow students to work collaboratively. One of these rooms also serves as an electronic classroom where research classes meet to work with librarians and their teacher. 

Throughout the school year, the Katz Library hosts a variety of special events, such as Library Spirit Day. One of our most popular programs is Lit Chat, where Upper Division students discuss books they are currently reading for pleasure and for school. The group discussions frequently focus on beloved books that are being made into movies or television series. 

The Middle Division Reading Room -- part of the Katz Library -- is located in Pforzheimer Hall. It features a large collection of middle grade books for leisure reading and research projects. The MDRR contains soft seating, tables and chairs, and fifteen laptops, making it an ideal place for teachers to bring their classes for research. Middle Division students and faculty have access to all online resources, and several databases to which the library subscribes are designed specifically for this age group.

Middle Division students and faculty read over the summer as part of the Faculty Sponsored Read, which creates connections between faculty and students and encourages a love of reading. Middle Division students are invited to join the HM Mock Newbery Committee to choose the best book published for middle grade readers over the past year. Readers’ Forum, the Middle Division book club, meets every Friday. The library offers lunch while students talk about the books they are reading, get recommendations, and play book-related games.