Getting geared up for 2013-2014!

I can usually be found in the summer reading, surfing Pinterest, updating web sites, and generally trying to decide on how I am going to decorate our library, what special themes/ideas I will try and get my workroom cleaned up and new books processed.

This summer is no different. However, I am actually thinking WAY ahead by generating ideas about having a "decorate a pumpkin as your favorite book character" October. If you are on Pinterest, I have created a board showing links to a variety of sites with ideas and examples from across the country. We might try to involve Mrs. Rochelle in Art class. I would really like to display the pumpkins in the upstairs hallway against the walls.  More information will be available by September, hopefully.

Many of you know that we will be teaching common core standards this year in Math and English/Language Arts. That will affect library class, too.  There are many resources available on the Internet with information about common core standards.  I will be using the new library iPad and AppleTV in my instruction as well as digital ebooks.  I am a proponent of students using ebooks and audiobooks. If you or your child needs assistance in learning how to access these type of resources on iPads, iPods, smartphones, or tablets, please do not hesitate to send me a note. Our public library provides free access to digital ebooks and audiobooks using your public library card. The more people that utilize this service, the less likely it will be cut from state funding.

Our fall book fair will be the week we return from Thanksgiving. This fall's theme is Reading Oasis which will feature Egyptian artwork and desert decorations.  I have neat ideas for arm band crafts so I will be collecting toilet paper rolls (empty of course!) and empty paper towel rolls. Just send them in to the library. I will send a note when I have enough or just through away what I don't need.

Now a plug for our Dickson County High School.  The award-winning DCHS Concert Choir has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York on February 19, 2014 along with the State University of New York at Fredona's Choir under the direction of DCHS alumni, Dr. Gerald Gray. The trip is costly but a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students.  Please visit the Cougars2Carnegie web site for complete information http://cougars2carnegie.org