Library

The CSS Online Library, OPALS

The Colorado Springs School’s online library system, OPALS, allows parents and students browse the CSS library catalog from anywhere. A QR code allows OPALS to be accessed by a mobile phone. Need to find a book for homework and crunched for time? Use the QR code on OPALS to access the mobile application and find your selection in the catalog.

OPALS offers four different search engines:

• OWL for prekindergarten-2nd grade
• Beginning search for 3rd-5th grade
• Standard Search for 6th grade and above
• Advanced Search

Through OPALS we host several research and technology link pages divided into age-appropriate levels for students. These include Webmix for Kids, which features sites such as:

• PBS Kids, National Geographic Kids, Dance Mat Typing, Scratch, and many more
• Bibliography Station, which is powered by Purdue Online Writing lab
• Research Writing links page with many safe and vetted resources for Middle and Upper school students

There is also a Tech Tools page which features dozens of helpful apps and programs such as Padlet, Prezi, Book Creator, and Storyboard.

The CSS Main Library

The Colorado Springs School’s main library and media center is housed in the historic Trianon in Charles Baldwin’s beautiful two-story library. It has more than 13,000 volumes for our students, faculty, staff, and parents to use. There are computers for internet-based research and composition and printing of papers or projects.

The library serves as a hub for digital learners of all ages and is home to a multi-media resource center, an iPad lab, portable Chromebooks, and a video recording and editing studio. The Children’s School library room is also located in the Trianon with books and resources for younger students.

Library hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Media specialist is available to assist students with research and book checkout.