McHenry School District 15's learning media centers focus on fostering independent critical thinking, information literacy, and a love for lifelong reading to contribute to students' overall academic success and preparedness for the challenges of the 21st century.

1. Information Literacy: The ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively in today's digital age. 

2. Critical Thinking: Through diverse reading materials, discussions, and research projects, students develop their ability to analyze information, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions.

3. Technology Integration: Students utilize digital resources, databases, and online tools for research and learning.

4. Promoting Lifelong Reading: Fostering a love for reading by offering a wide range of literature and informational text to cater to diverse interests. 

5. Collaboration with Classroom Instruction: Learning Media Center Directors work with all teachers to design projects that integrate into classroom instruction.

6. Equitable: District 15 Learning Media Centers contain collections that represent diverse cultures to contribute to an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Key Learning Topics:

• Author studies
• Children’s Book Awards
• Genre Studies
• Formulating questions and note-taking
• Selecting and using appropriate sources
• Understanding plagiarism
• Crediting sources properly