Tuesday, March 26, 2024

⇤๐Ÿ“šThrowback Reads are Here!

Excitement fills the air as we unveil our latest addition to the library collection: Throwback Reads! Thanks to a generous grant from Casey's, we've been able to stock our shelves with beloved middle school favorites that students have been requesting. From timeless classics to contemporary gems in both chapter book and graphic novel formats, these books are sure to evoke fond memories and spark new adventures for our high school readers.

With Throwback Reads, students can rediscover old favorites and share the magic of beloved stories with a new generation of readers. Whether it's revisiting the fantastical world of the Amulet series, embarking on thrilling adventures from author Stuart Gibbs, or hanging out with Greg Heffley again, there's something for every reader to enjoy.

This new section of the collection required quite a bit of movement of existing genres on the shelves. While an open bookcase was available, it was between other genres. Shifting the Adventure books allowed for the Throwback Reads to be shelved in the first case.


And while we're moving parts of the collection, why not undertake a large weeding project in the science fiction genre to be able to move the expanding thriller/suspense books into a larger space? ๐Ÿ˜€

For now, the collection is settled into their new places, and in moving one-third of the collection's genres, we're satisfied that books are on cases that will allow for continued expansion of the collection. So come on down to the library to not only see how we've rearranged but also to check out these nostalgic treasures. Let's embark on a journey down memory lane and celebrate the joy of reading with Throwback Reads!

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

๐Ÿ“š✨YA Literature Trivia

What better way to head into spring break than with an enthusiastic round of YA Lit Trivia during advisory! The library recently hosted a trivia event that students could choose as an advisory offering, and based on their enthusiasm, more trivia events will follow!

Two rounds of 10 questions pitted students against each other in rounds centered on both classic and contemporary young adult literature. Students could choose to work individually or in teams--and name themselves in clever and "punny" ways.

Teams dove into the depths of general literature trivia as well as character trivia. The event not only highlighted the joy of reading but also fostered a sense of community as shared their experiences and passion for some of the titles. (The Outsiders and Dally and Ponyboy! Scythe! Brian and the Hatchet series!) Winners celebrated their literary knowledge and could choose a prize from The Prize Vault, ๐Ÿ˜€ leaving everyone with smiles on their faces and a renewed appreciation for the magic found within the pages of our library's collection.

The Trivia Extravaganza was more than a competition; it was a shared experience of friendly rivalry and a collective love for the written word. Until the next literary challenge, happy reading!

Friday, February 23, 2024

๐ŸŒŸ ๐Ÿ“šVisiting Our New Local Public Library

AP Composition and AP Literature students set out to discover the treasures at our community's brand-new public library. This outing was not just a field trip; it was a venture into a world of knowledge, community, and opportunities waiting to be seized!

As we stepped into the welcoming atmosphere, it was evident that the library offers a space for shared experiences and connections. Over three floors, the building hosts multiple study rooms, comfortable seating areas, children and teen spaces that encourage curiosity, literacy, and play, and a welcoming adult space to read and work.

Our visit included a presentation of resources designed to guide our students on their post-graduation journeys. From audiobook and ebook resources to college and test prep books, the library provides a wealth of materials to aid in research, writing, exam preparation, and career exploration. Librarians on site are also on hand to offer guidance, ensuring students have the tools they need to become successful regardless of their paths. In addition to resources and services, the library also provides volunteering opportunities to students, actively seeking students to provide a chance to contribute to their community while gaining valuable experience. It's a wonderful way for our students to stay connected, give back, and continue their learning journey beyond the classroom.

Our trip to the new local public library was an engaging exploration of the wealth of resources and opportunities available to our students. From the vibrant teen space to the extensive collection of resources available to them, and the chance to contribute through volunteering opportunities, the library is not just a repository of books; it's a dynamic force shaping the educational landscape of our community. Before returning to our classrooms, students even had the chance to explore on their own and even sign up for library cards! So much excitement and inspiration today from our trip reminding us that the journey of learning extends far beyond the confines of our school walls!



Monday, February 5, 2024

๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ“˜ Heart Book Recommendations

Our library was buzzing with creativity last week, thanks to an awesome book craft that our students recently took on. (Thanks, Lacey Librarian, for sharing the activity!) Imagine a world where book recommendations take on a whole new shape – literally! ๐Ÿ’—

During advisory students dove into the world of crafting with enthusiasm, turning their love for books into 3D heart-shaped book recommendations. Each heart not only showcased their ratings for the book but also held a special place for summaries and favorite parts. From fantasy realms to mystery adventures, the diversity of genres reflected in these heart-shaped recommendations was surprising. It's great to see how our students bring their favorite reads to life through art. Not only did this craft unleash their creativity in the short time we had to create them, but it also sparked conversations about the books at the tables where they worked.

These heart-shaped book recommendations are now displayed at the front desk for everyone to read and enjoy. It's a visual celebration of the diverse tastes and interests of our reading community. Swing by the library, take a look at the hearts, and maybe discover a new book to fall in love with. Who knows, you might just find your next favorite read! ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ“–
Keep reading, keep creating, and keep spreading the love for books! ๐Ÿ“š✨

Thursday, January 18, 2024

๐Ÿ™Œ๐ŸŽŠ CelebratingTerm 2

As we reflect on the recently concluded term, we are thrilled to highlight some library statistics that showcase the tremendous success and impact of the high school library. The term has seen growth, exploration, and community-building within the library space.

Between class visits and advisory offerings, student engagement with the collection has increased, and the diverse collection continues to inspire curiosity and learning.

Friday, January 5, 2024

๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ” Dynamic Shelving Makes Its Debut in the Library

With the change of the semester right around the corner, it's time to unveil a transformative change in the library, too--a change that promises to elevate students' reading experience! ๐Ÿ“š✨ Say hello to NEW shelf organization, thoughtfully curated to showcase favorite authors and popular book series. This dynamic shelving is influenced by Kelsey Bogan from the Don't Shush Me: Adventures of a High School Librarian blog and her work in her own library.


The image above shows what the historical fiction and supernatural bookcases looked like before dynamic shelving--๐Ÿ‘€ take a look at the image below to see how it's been transformed!

Imagine strolling through our shelves, where every turn reveals a newly organized collection of books. From the timeless classics to the latest releases, the revamped organization ensures students can effortlessly find the authors they love and seamlessly dive into captivating book series. Between the genre categorization and the chunking and displays of dynamic shelving, there's no more hunting for that elusive title or wondering where a preferred series is hiding. The user-friendly layout is designed to make students' literary exploration easier, allowing them to spend less time searching and more time lost in the pages of a great book.

The thriller genre featuring dynamic shelving.















Ready to embark on a new literary adventure? Visit the library to take a look at the new organization! Your next reading journey awaits!

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Graphic Design Class Collaboration

With the return to school came the return of collaboration opportunities. The graphic design class visited the library to delve into the world of YA literature and book covers. On this creative journey students can see where literature meets art and discover insights into the design elements that make these book covers not just visually appealing, but also significant in representing the essence of the stories they tell.

In collaboration with the art teacher, students first discussed the visual elements of YA book covers – from color schemes and typography to imagery and content. This interdisciplinary approach reinforced students' appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between literature and art. By understanding how design choices reflect the story within, students gained valuable insights into the creative process behind crafting these covers.


To bring theory into practice, students then had time among the bookcases to browse the collection to find examples of book covers that appealed to them. Guided by the art teacher, student will later share their findings about effective YA book covers based on their library browsing. This not only allows them to apply the design principles they've learned but also fosters a deeper connection with the books they choose to reimagine.