One of the most vital skills a student needs to possess is the ability to read, and better yet, a passion for reading. It is critical to spark this interest. Without a desire to read, there is little hope for a bright academic future. NativityMiguel believes in the value of literacy and we strive to give each child the proper tools and motivation to have a life-long thirst for knowledge.

Our library is an excellent resource for our students and its dedicated librarian, Mrs. Barbara Castiglia, is critical to its operation and success. For the past six years, Mrs. Castiglia, who has a degree in art education and comes from the southtowns to volunteer, has created a fully functional library at St. Augustine. She has great assistance from Ms. Dona Bronkie and volunteer Leonard Coppola, and the full support of our faculty. She heard about NativityMiguel through her husband, Joseph, who stumbled upon St. Augustine one day and was wildly impressed.  A highlight of the week occurs each Wednesday when Mrs. Castiglia volunteers her time to run the library. Her main objective is to teach the students the joys of reading. She truly inspires our students to challenge themselves.

Mrs. Castiglia strives to provide students with “extraordinary, new experiences,” so she will occasionally bring in guest speakers to present and interact with them. An exciting, memorable moment for both Mrs. Castiglia and the students occurred when her husband’s cousins from Italy came to visit. They immersed the students in Italian culture and sparked their interest in learning about different cultures. Student also learned a few Italian words. As part of her mission, she also brings gifts, decorates according to season, and plays literature related games. With her dedication and kind spirit, the young men at St. Augustine are afforded the great opportunity to share in the love of literature.