The Nancy Thompson Memorial Library is more than just a place to store books. At the heart of the ACS campus, it’s a multipurpose room that hosts parent meetings, faculty meetings, receptions and student activities.

At Abilene Christian School, the library plays an important role in building a strong foundation of reading from an early age. Students are encouraged to develop a love for books in a welcoming environment where they can explore many different reading options tailored to their interests and abilities. The school recognizes that fostering a passion for reading early in life not only strengthens academic success but also nurtures imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. With shelves full of diverse choices, students are given the opportunity to discover books that meet their interest and match their reading level, making the library a favorite place on campus.

Elementary

Students in Pre-K visit the library each week for a story time lesson. Students in K through 5th grade learn the Dewey decimal system, learn about book awards, and how they are chosen. The library offers many programs to encourage a love of reading!

Accelerated Reader Program

A key part of the library program for grades 1–6 is the use of Accelerated Reader (AR), which motivates students to read regularly and challenges them to grow in their skills. As students complete books and quizzes, they earn points that reflect their progress and achievements. At the end of each nine weeks, those points can be redeemed at the AR Store, a special reward system that students look forward to with great excitement. This system not only makes reading fun and rewarding but also instills goal-setting, responsibility, and the joy of seeing effort turn into accomplishment.

Million Work Reader

Students who read one million words during the school year are acknowledged at chapel and have their picture put up in the library. At the end of the year these students attend a special lunch off campus and a special t-shirt. 

Middle and High School

Middle school and high school students also enjoy using the library facilities. ACS Juniors and Seniors have access to the ACU library plus other on-line services. That includes the Interlibrary Loan Program, so they can access materials from all three colleges and the Abilene Public Library.