Simms Library
Welcome to Simms Library at Albuquerque Academy. Located in the center of the Academy campus, mid-way between the East and West campuses, the library is an active teaching facility. The 140,000+ volume collection includes books, periodicals, videos, DVDs, CDs, audiovisual equipment, and a special collection. In addition to print items, the library provides access to a variety of online subscription databases to help students and faculty with research. Through the web-based catalog, students can search the library’s holdings from any computer with Internet access.
In keeping with the Academy’s mission, the library seeks to support the curriculum, as well as the informational and recreational interests of the community, to foster a habit of lifelong learning, and to serve as an institutional archive.
On May 3, 2001, the library was named in honor of Albert G. Simms II, M.D. and Barbara Young Simms. Their lives stand testament to the power of the spirit of giving coupled with visionary foresight. The Simms guided Albuquerque Academy through its formative years, and were instrumental in fostering independent education throughout New Mexico. The library is a permanent reminder of their lifelong dedication to the education of children, and their devotion to the highest ideals of learning.
Simms Library is available to Albuquerque Academy students and their families, members of the Academy faculty and staff, alumni, and parents of alumni. An ID card is required for all library users. Please call (505) 828-3200 for information on obtaining an ID card.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
The library is closed during most school holidays and breaks, including Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break.
Summer Session Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
July 4 holiday: Closed
In support of Think Summer classes and students, Simms Library is open for six weeks, beginning the first week of June. During the rest of the summer, until school starts in August, the library is closed.
Full-time students enrolled during the school year who want to use the library during the summer should check with the Think Summer office or Simms Library for summer library policies.
During open hours, books may be returned at the Circulation desk book drop. After hours, a book drop is available in the outer lobby of the library.
More Information
Exhibits
The library exhibit area is located just inside the front entrance and provides display space for Academy educational projects and student expression. Displays range from artwork related to a particular theme, to celebrations of Black History Month or Banned Books Week, to student depictions of French or Spanish architecture. Each display remains on exhibit for two weeks. Requests to use the exhibit area should be directed to Jade Valenzuela, Media Librarian, at (505) 828-3390. Demand for the exhibit space is high, and requests should be made as far in advance as possible.
Borrowing and Reserving Materials
Students may check out most library materials for two weeks and renew them if no other patron requests them. Videotapes and DVDs can be checked out for three days, and reference books have an overnight checkout period.
Members of the Academy faculty and staff have longer check-out periods.
Academy alumni and families of current students may check out materials with an Academy ID card.
Fines are not charged on overdue items, but payment is required if an item is lost. Grades for graduating seniors are not released until all library materials are paid for or returned.
Reserve materials and textbooks for courses are to be used only in the library.
What's Where?
- North Wing: graphic literature, fiction, story collection, easy books, oversized books, nonfiction, middle and upper school reading rooms
- East Wing: atlas stands, audiobooks, reference, microforms, current periodicals, bound periodicals
- Ask at the Circulation Counter for recent paper periodicals, visuals, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, Professional Reading Room books and special collection items
- Reserve items are on carts in the New Arrivals area. The carts are labeled with the teacher’s name or the course name.
Computer Use
There are nineteen computers in the library’s computer lab, and twenty-three other computers available for student use throughout the library. Interactive white boards are installed in each library classroom and the two large reading rooms for class or small group use. A portable cart with twenty-two MacBooks is available for use by classes in the library.
Copy Machines and Printers
The library provides photocopying machines for both black and white copies and color copies. Several printers are available for black and white printing. A color printer is located at the circulation desk; there is a charge for color printing.
Equipment
Students may check out audiovisual equipment once their parents have signed the required permission letter. Parents are responsible for reimbursing the library for any damage or loss of equipment.
Interlibrary Loans
Interlibrary loan service allows patrons to borrow books or articles from other libraries if the Academy library does not hold them. Before you submit an interlibrary loan request, please check the library catalog and the electronic databases (go to “Resources” on this web site; login required) to see if Simms library has the item. If it doesn’t, you may send requests to libcirc@aa.edu. There are two types of forms — one for a book, and a different one for a periodical article. A full citation is required to submit a request. The turn-around time for interlibrary loans averages about ten days. The library will notify you by phone or by e-mail (please specify preference) when the item is available
Birthday Books
Simms Library invites you to celebrate special occasions by funding the purchase of a book at Simms Library. Through the Birthday Books program, you can recognize a student, alumnus, teacher, family member, or friend on their special day, and make an important and lasting contribution to the library’s collections.
With your contribution, the library will purchase a new book (or CD or DVD) for the collection. You may choose a subject that is special to the person you are honoring or you can let the librarians choose the subject. When the Birthday Book is added to the library, a bookplate recognizing you, and your honoree, is attached and you will be notified that it is available in the library. What a meaningful way to celebrate a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or any other special occasion.
