Sabbagh Library & Literacy
“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
~ Dr. Seuss
Cultivating Lifelong Inquirers & Ethical Researchers
The Hasib J. Sabbagh Library is an integral part of the ACS Athens Learning Commons and a welcoming space for reading, research, inquiry, collaboration, and independent learning.
More than a collection of books and digital resources, the Library provides students with opportunities to explore their interests, ask meaningful questions, evaluate information, and develop the skills needed to become confident and responsible learners.
Through a diverse range of print and digital resources, the Library supports learning across grade levels and subject areas while encouraging students to think critically, engage with different perspectives, and develop a lifelong interest in learning.
Accessing the Sabbagh Library
It is open daily 9:00 am - 5:30 pm.
A Space for Learning and Collaboration
The Sabbagh Library provides spaces that support different ways of learning. One may read independently, conduct research, work collaboratively, discuss ideas, or find a quiet space to focus.
Whether working independently or with others, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, communicate their ideas, listen to others, and seek support when needed.
Supporting Learners as Inquirers and Researchers
The Sabbagh Library supports learners throughout the research process—from developing questions and locating information to evaluating sources, organizing ideas, and communicating findings.
The Librarian works collaboratively with teachers and learners to support research and information literacy across the curriculum. Learners are guided to:
- Develop meaningful research questions
- Locate and select appropriate sources
- Evaluate information for relevance, reliability, and credibility
- Compare and consider different perspectives
- Organize, synthesize, and communicate information
- Reflect on their research process and learning
- Practise academic integrity
- Proper citation/referencing
- Follow instructions on information-literacy
- Research Extended Essays
- Attend student research workshops
- Access digital resources
These experiences help students develop as inquirers, knowledgeable learners, communicators, and reflective learners.
Reading, Knowledge, and Global Perspectives
The Library provides access to a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, supporting both academic learning and reading for enjoyment.
Our collection includes literature, informational texts, reference materials, digital resources, and resources that reflect a variety of cultures, perspectives, languages, and experiences. Through reading and exploration, students are encouraged to broaden their understanding of the world and develop an appreciation for perspectives beyond their own.
Academic Integrity and Responsible Use of Information
Learning how to use information responsibly is an essential part of becoming an independent learner.
The Sabbagh Library supports students in developing sound research practices, including appropriate citation, recognition of intellectual property, responsible use of sources, and academic honesty. Students are guided to understand not only how to find information, but also how to use, evaluate, and communicate it responsibly.
As information and technology continue to evolve, students also need to develop the ability to engage thoughtfully and ethically with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Through the ACS Athens RAIL (Research, Artificial Intelligence, and Literacy) framework, students are supported in developing the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate today's information environment with integrity, transparency, and responsibility.
Library Resources
The Sabbagh Library combines physical and digital resources to support both curriculum-related learning and personal interests.
Print Collection
Our print collection includes fiction and nonfiction, literature, reference materials, academic resources, and books that support students' interests and learning across subject areas. The fiction collection includes classic and young adult literature across a range of genres. The nonfiction collection offers books on a wide variety of topics for both reading and research. Our librarian is available to assist learners in finding books and resources that meet their interests, reading preferences and learning needs.
Digital Reading
Students have access to digital reading resources, including e-books and audiobooks, providing opportunities to read both at school and beyond the classroom.
Research Databases
The Library provides access to a range of academic databases and digital research resources to support students in locating reliable and relevant information for their studies and research projects.
Periodicals and Current Information
Journals, magazines, newspapers, and other current information resources provide students with opportunities to explore contemporary issues, follow developments in areas of interest, and consider multiple perspectives.