Dust Off the Books

I can't believe another school year is here and I am starting my third year as the St. Philip Librarian. I am so grateful to share my passion for reading with the St. Philip community. We have some exciting things planned for the school year. First and foremost, we have decided that since library for grades K-5 is a class where they learn library skills, research tools and book appreciation the students will now receive a behavior and effort grade. I feel this will greatly benefit the classroom environment.

The look of the library has changed a bit. Sections have been moved around to better suit the needs of our smallest library patrons. Last year I moved the reading area and this year the Easy Readers have been moved to the shelves located in the reading area. Reference has been moved close to the computers, while Fictions books are located in the middle of the library in the taller shelves.

Lastly, the library will be receiving three laptop computers. We are getting these so the children can utilize our online systems to do research and work on homework without taking over the library computers. I am very excited to include these in class time. The children will be able to check out a laptop at lunchtime if they wish to work on assignments or do research.

OH! We also got a new American Girl doll. Meet Josephina

Helping Your Children Use the Library

You may have already noticed library books coming home. By now I have seen all K through 5 classes and given them an opportunity to take home their first library book of the school year. The past week and a half has been spent going over library rules and book care. While each student is responsible for their checked out book it is important that their parents help them remember the rules. I thought today would be a good day to introduce library expectations as a reminder to students and parents that the library is a special place and each book valuable in the knowledge it contains. Respect our books, respect our space and the library will be invaluable for years to come. 

Here's how!

• Be aware of your child's library day. Their book will be due one week from the day they visited. Post a sign on your refrigerator reminding everyone when library books are due. 
• Library books should not be read at the dinner table or during snack time. Food and books do not mix.
• Find a special place in your home for your child's library book. Perhaps a bookshelf that prevents younger siblings from getting to the book. Too many times books are returned in terrible shape and the younger sibling is blamed. 
• Unfortunately if a book is returned damaged or broken we will have to charge you to replace the book. Make sure you stress responsibility to your children. It might even be a good idea to have them pay for the book whether it comes from their allowance or they have to do extra chore to pay it off. 
• Read Read Read! Ask your children if they brought home a library book and then read it together!

Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year!

There are a lot of things in store this year for the SP Library. As I look around our space I am happy to see full shelves with books just waiting to be opened. Three short years ago our little library hardly existed and now there are books on every shelf. As the students start coming back to the library they will be given the opportunity to explore the different sections and look at books. We will also be reviewing book care and how to be a good library citizen. 

For Kindergarten this is an entirely new adventure. The next few weeks will be spent listening to school and library stories. One of my favorites is Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten. This alphabet book that takes the reader through the first day of kindergarten and explores how the teacher and students prepare for the big day.  

Welcome to the NEW SCHOOL YEAR!