The Charalambos Vellis Library at J.M. Carras Kindergarten is a vibrant learning environment that inspires inquiry, research, literacy, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. With a contemporary collection of approximately 7,200 books and carefully designed educational programs, the library plays an integral role in our educational program, fostering communication, research skills, and children's natural curiosity.
The library is open daily to students and staff, offering reading, storytelling, inquiry, and book-lending services. During library sessions, the librarian designs learning experiences that promote active listening, introduce children to high-quality literature, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading. At the same time, children develop research skills, become familiar with both oral and written language in Greek and English, and learn to use books and information as tools for inquiry and discovery.
Recognizing the important role of technology in information literacy, the library maintains its own website with an online OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue). Through this platform, teachers and parents can search the catalogue, explore new arrivals, and follow the library's educational initiatives. Library activities are also shared through the school's official social media channels, strengthening engagement with our learning community and the wider community.
The Library as a Living Space for Inquiry, Learning and Inspiration
The library is much more than a place for reading—it is a dynamic environment where inquiry, creativity, and collaboration flourish.
As part of the library program, students participate in carefully designed literacy and inquiry experiences that encourage them to ask questions, investigate, reflect, and make meaningful connections with the world around them. In collaboration with publishing houses, the library regularly welcomes authors, illustrators, and educational facilitators who enrich children's learning through thematic workshops, presentations, and educational programs.
The library promotes active participation, collaboration, creativity, and personal expression, encouraging children to see books as a source of knowledge, inspiration, and inquiry rather than simply as stories to read.
Reading for Pleasure Program “Philanagnosia Program”
As part of the core curriculum, students participate in the Reading for Pleasure/“Philanagnosia Programme” programme, through which they discover the magic of books in an experiential way. Children participate in interactive storytelling sessions, visual arts, research and inquiry-based activities, draw inspiration from visits by authors, and, at the end of the school year, receive their own personal inquiry portfolio.
Parents' Book Club
The Charalambos Vellis Library places particular emphasis on strengthening the partnership between school and home through monthly morning meetings for parents, organized in collaboration with the librarian and the PYP Coordinator.
The aim is to strengthen the parent-child relationship through reading, encourage the exchange of experiences, and foster a supportive environment that promotes lifelong literacy.
Stories We Share
A special initiative in which grandparents visit the library to share personal experiences or read stories in Greek, creating meaningful intergenerational learning experiences for our students.
The Library's Participation in Community Service Initiatives
The library actively participates in annual community service initiatives, such as Bookwave – Library for All, engaging students, parents, and teachers in meaningful projects that promote generosity, social responsibility, and active participation in the wider community.
February – A Month Dedicated to Language Learning
February is dedicated to language learning through the celebration of World Greek Language Day (February 9) and International Mother Language Day (February 21). During this special month, our kindergarten implements a rich program of activities that celebrates the importance of language and the value of multilingualism.
Through interactive storytelling experiences, children discover the power of language as a means of communication, expression, and cultural identity. Parents whose home language is different from Greek or English are invited to participate by sharing stories and books in their native language, providing authentic multilingual experiences while fostering respect for linguistic diversity, different cultures, and international-mindedness.