Olson Library
A Vibrant, State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
A Legacy of Generosity.
The 17,500-square-foot Olson Library is a cornerstone of learning at Stratford Academy, thoughtfully designed to serve students from Beginners through Grade 12. Envisioned in 1998 through the leadership and generosity of Stratford parents Beverly and Edmund Olson, the library is far more than a traditional collection of books—it is a vibrant, multipurpose learning environment that supports research, collaboration, creativity, and independent exploration.
Olson Library
The Olson Library Mission
To assist members of the learning community in becoming effective users of ideas, information, and technology and to foster a love of reading.
Two Beautiful, Purposeful Wings:
Meeting Our Students Where They Are
dr
Designed for Stratford’s preschool and lower school students, the Ann Martin Bowen Wing fosters a love of reading and exploration while supporting language development and foundational literacy through carefully curated, age-appropriate books.
Flexible seating, engaging learning corners, and interactive displays create an environment where students can experience joy in learning and storytelling.
This wing also serves as a venue for special events such as author visits, story time sessions, and collaborative family literacy nights—opening the doors for greater family and community engagement.
By fostering positive early literacy experiences, the Ann Martin Bowen Wing lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and academic success.
The Ann Martin Bowen Wing:
A colorful, magical space for our Preschool and Lower School students.
Ann Martin Bowen was a devoted Stratford parent and champion of reading. Dedicated in her memory in 2008, the Lower School library wing honors her joyful spirit, lifelong service, and belief that reading belongs at the heart of every child’s education—a legacy that continues to inspire Stratford’s youngest learners.
The Robert Adger Bowen Wing:
A collegiate-level, collaborative space for middle and upper school students.
The Robert Adger Bowen Wing of the Olson Library is a dynamic hub for Middle and Upper School learning, housing the main collection and a state-of-the-art journalism production studio. Blending traditional research with hands-on media, technology, and collaboration, the space equips students with strong communication, digital literacy, and ethical storytelling skills.
The Robert Adger Bowen Wing of the Olson Library houses the middle and upper school collections and is thoughtfully designed to support the intellectual and creative pursuits of Stratford’s adolescent learners.
This wing provides students with access to a wide range of literature and research materials curated to challenge and inspire critical thinking.
In addition to traditional texts, students can utilize state-of-the-art digital tools that prepare them for the evolving demands of college and career readiness.
A centerpiece of this wing is the modern video production studio, which enables students to explore multimedia storytelling, film production, and digital communication—skills essential for today’s media-rich world.
Come Visit Us
Olson Library Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 7:40 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Friday - 7:40 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
hr
Summer Monday Hours:
Selected summer Mondays 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Puppet Shows at 11 a.m.
Books may be returned at anytime to the outside collection bin located in the Olson Library parking lot.
