The Library of The English High School  is ‘beyond books.’

People of a certain age will recall how libraries used to be overseen by a stern and strict librarian who enforced rules about being quiet and ‘No eating or talking.’

Libraries are dramatically different today and the English High Library has evolved into an interactive space where sitting on chairs is optional, state-of-the-art educational technology tools are available, and librarian Dave Barry helps with research and creates engaging, inclusive and individualized learning experiences so students can develop important 21st-century skills.

Current English High Librarian David Barry’s father Stephen was a member of the English Class of 1958 shown here at their 10-year reunion in 1968.

Dave Barry knew about English High as a boy: His father Stephen Barry was a member of the English High class of 1958, graduated from Boston College, served in the Marines, then was a teacher for 37 years. Dave is following in his dad’s footsteps, devoted to teaching the next generation. He taught at the O’Bryant School of Math & Science before joining the English High faculty as an English teacher and librarian in 2019.

“I’ve always felt a connection to English because of my dad’s experience here,” he smiles. “I remember dad telling me about the school when it was on Avenue Louis Pasteur across from Latin School. He sang in the chorus and ran cross country. He still talks about good times at English. Just yesterday he told me that he received a prestigious award for good conduct, given to one student in each senior homeroom. The prize was a copy of Thoreau’s Walden. It feels great to be part of such a positive Boston tradition.”

The English High Dungeons and Dragons Club – aka “The Dragonlords” – are lead by band teacher Mr. Carkner and meet weekly in the library.

Barry says the English High library has about 8,000 books along with 10 desktops and Chromebooks: “We have over 100 students in the library daily: students coming in for books, class visits, for lunch, speakers and movies. About 30 students eat lunch here. Many prefer to eat while sitting on the floor, then find a place to read, hang with friends, do homework, play board games, or use computers.”

Barry imparts important library lessons, showing students how to use search engines, how to differentiate between fake news and trustworthy sources, and how to access authentic state-supported research sites. He also helps teachers find reliable resources and reference materials. Three times each week Barry works with grade 9 – 12 special needs students in his ‘Team Exceptional.”

Barry studied English and Spanish at UMass Dartmouth, Urban Policy at Tufts, and earned a school librarian certificate from Simmons University. He appreciates that school librarians are able to teach across a wide range of subjects, “I show students how to find fun books. Who remembers the good old Dewey Decimal System? We host book clubs, study halls and a new Stoic Philosophy club.”

Barry says, “The English High School Association has been very kind to us. We got a donation from EHSA of artwork by English alumnus Allan Rowan Crite ’29, a noted 20^th century African-American artist, plus books and computers. Daniel Eramian ’66, was kind enough to donate a whole classics section.” When Barry issued an appeal for assistance in ‘Greening Our Library,’  Mike Thomas ’67, EHSA President, and Robert Prince ’67, EHSA Board member, made personal contributions to make it happen. He also applauds the folks from the nearby Midway Cafe who made a generous donation in memory of a beloved employee.

Read More About How English Alumni Are Supporting the Library

He says the library is in good shape with a beautiful space that attracts students. Does he have a wish list? He says some of the furniture could be updated and there’s always a list of highly popular and new books.

Among the most unusual student requests was for ‘manga,’ Japanese comics/graphic novels. Also frequently requested are works by American author Robert Greene author of The 48 Laws of Power. Not surprisingly, many students are curious about financial literacy.

Barry and his wife live near the English High campus on the Jamaica Plain/Brookline line. He walks or bikes to work as often as possible. The librarian’s favorite book? The Fellowship of the Ring by Tolkien.

He strongly agrees with one of Albert Einstein’s quotes: “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”