We can’t argue that school libraries have changed and changed for the better. When you walk into a school library, chances are that you may see one or more of the following: Legos, 3D printers, Break Out Boxes, or iPads…. Read More ›
books
Keep Kids Occupied during Holiday Breaks
As a kid I always enjoyed my holiday breaks, but my family wasn’t the kind that went on vacation or did anything special. My parents worked like normal and I occupied myself during my days off. As a school librarian… Read More ›
Give the Gift of Books
Are Books Becoming Obsolete? “Do you think books will someday become obsolete in the next twenty years?” a friend recently asked me. Of course, I emphatically answered, “NO!” But then I got to thinking. People can access the written word… Read More ›
Diversity in December
December is a festive time of year. Many of us celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Navigating the holidays can be tricky in some school settings. I can remember working in a school where we were banned from saying… Read More ›
Libraries Welcome All Families: Community Partnerships to Fund Collection Development for English Learners in Urban Connecticut
By Jillian Woychowski One of the most difficult moments of the month was observing my English learners come to check out books with their classes and not be able to find anything they could read at the high school level…. Read More ›
Speed Dating with Nonfiction Books
It’s a never-ending dilemma: how to get overworked high school students to read for pleasure. Too often, teens associate reading with mandatory curriculum books. The Scarlet Letter, A Tale of Two Cities, Things Fall Apart. . . though some teens… Read More ›
Not Your Traditional Book Club
Book clubs have been a staple in school libraries for years. Usually the same few students show up each time, because they genuinely love books. While every school librarian is pleased that they attend, it would be nice to add… Read More ›
Do people even read anymore?
An administrator recently told me, “We don’t really need a school library. Let’s face it…in 10 years…wait, FIVE years…we won’t need print books anymore. Nobody reads books anymore. They can Google everything they need!” I’m guessing the look on your… Read More ›
Little Libraries
As school librarians we are constantly giving book recommendations; in fact once I’ve read an incredible book I can hardly wait to tell everyone I know about it and put it in their hands too! However, there have been times… Read More ›
Scare Up a Good Book
I love Halloween and when I was still a school librarian I loved all the read-alouds that led up to the big day. Below you’ll find some of the books that frequently appeared on my read-aloud stack, no matter what… Read More ›