Last Day of term

Well, it is here at last - last day of term for 2014.  We seem to have been waiting for this all year, or so some of the students have told me anyway.  They looked a little taken aback when I pointed out that the staff had been waiting as well.

My main news for this post is that the digital system for the DVDs is almost ready to go so when you all start back, you will be able to access what you need directly through the computer.  I have had a few people test it for me and it all seems to be running smoothly, so Kate can take you through it next year. I think you will find it really easy to use.

I seem to have been trying to get a post up for most of this last month - and now that we are at this point, I am just going to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year break and hope you spend it relaxing and enjoying family and friends, and that you all return refreshed and ready for 2015. Don't forget to include some reading in your plans.

Have an awesome holiday.  All the best to you all and whatever you do, have fun!

Picture Book Month

We have received some new books in the Library recently that people may be interested in.  One of them is 'Resist' by Sarah Crossan, which is the conclusion to the story started in 'Breathe'.  These are based on a future and dsytopian world, where all the trees have died out - or been chopped down - and what little oxygen is available is inside a dome, where you follow the rules or are put outside the dome to take your chance. 

There are also a couple of new Choose Your Own adventures: 'The Jungle of Doom' and the 'Desert of Dread' along with 'Vampire Hunter', so you have a choice of adventure or horror in this area.  As well, we have a couple of Interactive stories, which are basically the same style of book, but are about real life happenings.  We have one about the making of Facebook and another about Hurricane Katrina.

There are also some Shakespeare plays,  but in Graphic Novel format which is a different way of reading these classics. 

I would also like to share with you all that November is Picture Book Month. Personally speaking, I am a HUGE fan of Picture Books and there are many reasons to read them or to use them in your classes.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, what does that say about the power of a picture book?  And the world needs picture books. There’s nothing like turning the pages of a beautiful  picture book. They are not all Fiction either and are often a great way to share with kids - and their parents - little known facts.  (See the post a couple of weeks ago about the 'Lone Pine' picture book)
 
Please check out the link below.
http://picturebookmonth.com/

Project Loon - Balloon Powered Internet

I came across this one today and thought I would share it with you.  Check out the weblink below and see what you think.

http://www.google.com/loon/

I thought this was interesting considering my last post could be called anti-technology, if people wanted to read it that way.

If I was going to categorise this as a genre - I would think that it would have to be Steam Punk.

Is Technology all it is promoted to be?

There have been a number of articles on the Teacher Librarians list-serv just recently about technology and it's effects on students learning abilities.  Some of the research that is coming in regarding on-line distraction is quite interesting.  Not just in regards to students but for adults as well. 

Below are some of the one I have read just recently.  Speaking for myself, I am aware of how easy it is to be distracted on-line from what you should be doing or to slip into 'multi-tasking', which on-line really means 'surfing the web'. If as adults, we have this problem, how much harder would it be for the students?

Have a look at the articles below.

From a passionate teacher of technology and media, a look from the other side:

http://www2.curriculum.edu.au/scis/connections/issue_91/articles/a_world_of_online_distraction.html

 

It is also interesting to read Clay Shirky's article on why he banned technology from his lectures:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/09/25/why-a-leading-professor-of-new-media-just-banned-technology-use-in-class/

 and finally:

Intriguing read on The Waldorf schools in the USA who mindfully do not use technology in their education. Waldorf schools are 'different' but the people who make all these gadgets and technology for us, carefully choose NOT to have their children learning with technology. Their theory is that given just how easy it is to pick up the technology skills, like using toothpaste, that literacy and numeracy should come first - and maybe they should know, given that they make the stuff:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/technology/at-waldorf-school-in-silicon-valley-technology-can-wait.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

Interesting reading, given that many schools in Australia have, or are beginning a 'Bring your own Technology' policy.

New Books in the Library

We have some new books available for loan in the Library.  There is a range of different titles that, hopefully, will appeal to a variety of people. Most of them are fiction books with a few non-fiction in the mix. Below is a brief review of a few of the books on display.

Computer Coding for kids:  Computer coding is firmly back on the agenda as a key skill for children to start learning. Computer Coding for Kids is a unique step-by-step guide, perfect for kids interested in computer programming and how computers work. 

Lone Pine:  A story not well known about the Lone Pine Battle at Gallipoli during World War One, is told through the tale of the pine tree which stands in the gardens at the War Memorial in Canberra. This is a Picture book and is based on a true story.

Animal heroes:    Animal Heroes is a collection of 21 short stories in which Anthony Hill remembers just a few of the many gallant dogs, horses, pigeons, donkeys, pets and mascots who have served with Australia's armed services from the First World War to the present day.

There are also a couple of 'Choose your Own' stories in both adventure and horror genres along with science fiction and sports titles as well. 

All worth a look, so come on in and see what we have to offer.

Websites of interest

I came across these websites on the Teacher Librarian's Listserv and thought that they may be of some use to class room teachers. They have been highly recommended by a number of teachers and library staff around the country, so are worth a look at least.

http://appsineducation.blogspot.com.au/ which is a site that looks at the apps on offer and posts a review about them. It says ‘One of the hardest things with using the iPad in the classroom is finding the time to go through all of the apps in the iTunes Store listed under the education banner. We have started to list some of the apps we've found under each of the Key Learning Areas.”

http://learningwithipads.blogspot.com.au/  - a blog by a Catholic school in Sydney about their experiences and ideas in using iPads with their students.

Well, last day of term is here and a weeks break is waiting for us all - but then Term 4 is looming on the horizon. 
So enjoy your week, relax, revive and of course, spend some time getting that life/work balance right and READING.

Who reads this Blog?

Just out of interest, I went through some of the statistics that are kept on the Blog to get an idea of usage.
I wasn't really suprised to find out that it doesn't get a lot of interest here, but what did intrigue me was when I realised that it does get well read by a number of overseas countries.

Apparently, for this week anyway, it has been used fairly well by China, France and Romania, with a smaller amount of usage by United States, Hong Kong and America. 

At least it is being used, I guess.

 

National Flag Day

National Flag Day
3rd September 2014
Australian National Flag Day commemorates the day in 1901 when the Australian flag was flown for the first time and celebrates the birth of our flag and its power as a symbol of unity, independence and optimism.
1901 was the year of Australian Federation, and the design of the Australian flag was picked from more than 32,800 entries.
For more information visit www.australianflag.org.au
 And just in case anyone is interested – tomorrow is National Chocolate Day

Year 10 Poetry

Mr Calyun's class have been writing poetry on issues that concern them.  Poem in your Pocket is a part of National Literacy and Numeracy Week, so below is a poem from one of the year 10 student's, who has given permission for us to publish his work on the blog.  Thank you Craig.

GRIEF

I see a person grieving
for some they have lost
Memories are forever
But, dying is the cost. 

Some people pass away
For they have grown so old
Their bodies once so warm
Have now turned to cold.

We should never sit in sorrow
But celebrate their life
Do not cry forever
But think and keep a smile.

 

 

Links for NLNW Activities

Just as a quick follow up to my post about National Literacy and Numeracy Week, please find a couple of links below with online games and activities that you may be able to use in your class.

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/students/events/pages/litnumweekchildren.aspx

http://missreynolds1234.blogspot.com.au/

Hope this helps in some way.

Global Read Aloud Day

While looking for other information for a student, I stumbled across this little gem.  Global Read Aloud Day - can it get any better?

Yes, it can - it is not just about picking up any random book and reading out loud - but it is about making connections, sharing ideas - not just with our school but across the globe in nearly 30 different countries, while enjoying the written word together. Along with the gift of our time as well.
(And I think we could include coffee and chocolate in here as well.)

Check out the link below for more information.  This event runs from Oct 6th through to November 14th, so plenty of time to get organised if anyone is interested. Have a look at the FAQ page for ideas.

http://www.globalreadaloud.com/

National Literacy & Numeracy Week

The week 25^th to 31^st August is National Literacy and Numeracy Week.
This year’s literacy activities include A Poem in Your Pocket and Read for Australia. The numeracy activity is called Reach for the Stars.

Read for Australia will provide all schools with the chance to participate in a simultaneous reading of the book Sunday Chutney by Aaron Blabey at 2 pm Friday 29 August.

The numeracy activity Reach for the Stars has the theme drinking water. Students will identify, count and measure the sources of water in their community.

Have a look at the websites below for more information and newsletters.

http://www.literacyandnumeracy.gov.au/
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/events/pages/litnumweek.aspx

And, although they have nothing to do with reading - at first glance anyway - two other days that are coming up soon are National Chocolate Day on the 4th September and International Coffee Day on the 29th September.  A nice hot chocolate or cup of coffee with a good book, really, who can ask for more?  Maybe we need some ideas for promoting the Library while celebrating these special days?  Can't be too hard, can it?

Train yourself to be Happy - really.

The latest offerings from the e_list.  Can you really train yourself to be happier?  Check out number 4 and find out.  The link for this site is at the bottom if you want to see what else they have on offer.  As I understand it, all of the sites they promote are free to use. 

6 apps that train your brain

1:     Elevate sends you games designed to improve your most needed cognitive skills

2:    Lumosity increases memory, attention, flexibility and speed with a daily training program

3:    Neuroscientists designed the games on CogniFit to improve memory and concentration

4:    Train yourself to be happier with Happify

5:    Eidetic helps you memorise things

6:    Fit Brains has over 360 unique training games and puzzles

http://the-e-list.tumblr.com/

Semester Two

Welcome back to Semester 2, and it is end of week three already.  It is amazing, and a little scary,  just how quickly this year is flying by, isn't it?

All of the new magazines have started arriving and are out on the shelf.  Hyper and Wacky but True seem to be the most popular with the students.  Come and check them out.

I have managed to scrounge up a few 'Choose your own adventure' books to add to the collection as some of the students are right into them.  At the moment I am trying to keep hold of them long enough to catalogue them, while students are hovering, asking 'are they ready yet?'  I think I have had a win this time around, but we may need more to keep everyone happy here.

Quick question- does anyone have any work or similar that they would like to put up on display here in the Library?  If so, please see me, as we have a blank canvas here at the moment.  (And I am a little worried that I may have to get creative myself.  Scary thought.)

Also, if there is anything that you think we may be able to help you with, please come and have a chat.

Wishing you all a nice, lazy weekend - preferrably with lots of reading thrown in.

Reading Hour and Holidays

August 19^th from 6-7pm is the day and time set for The Reading Hour, which is an event that grew from the National Year of Reading 2013. William McInnes has been announced as the ambassador for the 2014 event.
 
Check out this link for more information:

 

http://www.love2read.org.au/
 

This could be an ideal time to promote reading in the classroom or at home. Personally, I would think that it doesn’t have to actually run from 6pm onwards, but at a time that is convenient. Maybe a read-in evening, a shared story-telling activity, a morning or afternoon tea with pages read from favourite books, a book and bookmark swap…. anyone have other suggestions? Maybe we could make this a Library event?

 
On a high note, I have recently had a win with getting a handful of very reluctant readers with their noses in books. They hadn't come across 'Choose your Own' novels before, and it looks like we are going to need some more because they have read almost all we have in the Library - in the last 3 days! Lots of time has been spent sprawled on my office floor reading and sharing books, or searching the shelves for more books.  And isn't that what it is all about?

 With school holidays coming up in a couple of days, and cold, windy, miserable weather outside, it sounds like it is the perfect time to snuggle up with a hot chocolate and a BIG pile of reading material. Get some of that work/life balance happening and enjoy some downtime. 

Wishing you all a wonderful mid-year break, and let’s do it all again next semester.

The e-list Site

http://the-e-list.tumblr.com/

Some of the recent lists that have appeared on this site include:

• 4 tools to save your notes, resources and for inspiration
• 9 Youtube channels to keep you informed
• 4 one-app wonders - all your apps in one app
• 4 ways to store your documents securely in the cloud

The link is above so take a few minutes and have a look around.  You may find something that is of use to you.

Have an awesome day.

My Job

How I see my Job:
The main job I do is not about books, or research or inquiry. The job I do is all about people and it is about helping people. It is about making a connection with people so they trust me enough to enable me to help them. My job is to try and make sure that I am interrupted all day, every day by people who need my skills, my expertise, my problem solving, my suggestions, my conversation, my smile and sometimes my hugs. And maybe even a firm voice once in awhile.

How you see my Job:
??????????

 It is rather suprising really - when you think of librarians/library technicians, you think of books. However, over the last 30 years spent doing this job, both here and at the Public Library, I have come to realise that books are only a very tiny part of that, and who knows, maybe they are mainly there as the conduit needed for me to be able to do the rest of my job, as I see it anyway.

So my question for today is..... how do you see my job?  Am I providing what you need? What else could I be doing to make the Library work better for you?

New magazines

We have changed some of the subscriptions to the magazines in the Library.  There are a few new ones coming in and a few that were not being used have been deleted. Doing our best here to keep the collection current and interesting for everyone.

Added to the collection is:  'Hyper', which is a gaming magazine along with "Histricool', 'Vegie Patch' and also 'Wacky but True'. 
Amazingly, Tennant Creek even gets a mention in the 'Wacky but True' magazine - come and check it out!

Science, QR Codes and Chess.

I have had Mrs. Anderson's 7O class in today for a QR Code Hunt around the Library.  She was working on Classification so it seemed an interesting way to both demonstrate classification and have a small Library orientation at the same time.

The class started in the Lab with a QR code directing them to the Library, which brought them to a QR Code on my office window, so that I knew they were there and could assist with the rest of the hunt.
They then checked out the Dewey Decimal charts and moved round a range of areas, taking photos to prove they had been able to follow the instructions.

The students had a ball and got right into QR Codes.  I believe that this could be used with almost any class, whether for revision or just as a novel way of teaching something.  It could even be used as a craft activity - maybe printed t-shirts or keytags?  Thank you, Mrs Anderson, for letting me show your class another fun side to learning.

Another activity that has become popular again is Chess and we have a few students taking the opportunity during recess and lunch to challenge each other. Plenty more chess sets available, so certainly room for more games to be happening.

In fact, we also have Monopoly, Battleships, Uno and various other games to use during break times, so it is not just chess. Maybe we should set up a regular board game session every week?

* EDIT:  Whoops, sorry it was actually a Yr 7 class.  My apologies to everyone.  Sorry Mrs Anderson. I have fixed it now.

Cyber Safety and Security

The National Cyber Security Awareness Week is happening again and this year will be held from 2 to 6 June 2014.  This year's theme - 'On The Go' - reflects the importance of staying safe and secure online while using mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, which are used to stay connected for social networking, banking, shopping, and navigating the internet. 

The aim of Awareness Week is to help Australians using the internet – whether at home, the workplace or school – understand the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online.

The internet has increasingly become a part of our daily life. It provides a way for us to socialise, shop, transact and do business, all of which means we are sharing more and more personal and financial information online. In doing so we take the chance of  exposing ourselves to a number of online risks, which we need to be aware of and properly manage.
That is why it is important that we better understand how to stay safe and secure on the internet. None of us are invincible.

Under the Australian Government's Stay Smart Online Program a range of initiatives, including National Stay Smart Online Awareness Week, help Australians understand online security and safety and the measures they can take to protect their personal and financial information.

Check out the link below.  Maybe this is something we could share with students to try and make them aware of the possible dangers with the use of their devices.  An ounce of awareness and maybe a little common sense could help them avoid a heap of problems.

http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/

Poem in Your Pocket Day

Coming up on the 24th April is 'Poem in your Pocket' Day.  This is a US based day and is part of National Poetry Month but could be something to get students involved with poetry and words, even in a small way.  Check out the link below.

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5643

Another festival involving poetry - and Australian this time - is the Ipswich Poetry feast.  The link is below for this one.

http://www.ipswichpoetryfeast.com.au/

The Ipswich Poetry Feast is an initiative of Ipswich City Council, supported by the local community.
Since its humble beginnings in 2003 as a national poetry writing competition, the Ipswich Poetry Feast has grown and evolved to become in important part of Ipswich's cultural identity. The Ipswich Poetry Feast now features an annual international poetry writing competition and other significant literary events aimed at developing, advancing and showcasing poetry and poetry writing skills across all ages.  The competition covers all levels and has prizes to be won, so maybe something our students would be interested in having a go at.

Hoping you all had a nice relaxing time over the mid-semester break and are planning more of the same for the Easter break.  Not sure mine could be called relaxing as I was one of the First Aiders at a Guide Camp for about 100 girls in Alice Springs with very unseasonal pouring rain for most of it.  I am not looking for sympathy however, and the girls had a ball, aside from goanna bites (!) so all was good.

Enjoy your Easter break and make sure you get some of that work/life balance happening.

Interesting Links to check out

Below is a weblink that will take you to a range of interesting sites that may be of some use, or may get your students involved.  Check out the archive that goes with it and see what leaps out at you.  As a science fiction reader, I found the 'Future Past' site fascinating - all the predictions made about what our world would be like in the 21st century and what have we got? Check it out under the History section in the archives.

http://apps.exploratorium.edu/10cool/index.php

New Series on the Shelf

For those who loved the 'Hunger Games' trilogy, we now have the 'Divergent' series on the shelf and ready to be borrowed.  The movie of the first book has just been released to mixed reviews, but as it is going up against the wildly popular 'Hunger Games', that is probably not all that much of a suprise.

Below is a brief review of the first book:

 In the dystopian Chicago setting of Roth's novel, the population is divided into five factions. Upon declaring allegiance to one of them, 16-year-old Beatrice will decide her future. Beatrice and her brother, Caleb, grew up in helpful, unassuming Abnegation, always putting others first. During her aptitude testing, a simulation probes her suitability for Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Rather than getting a clear reading of her strengths, Beatrice's result is disturbing and dangerous: she is Divergent. At the choosing ceremony, the teenager impulsively joins Dauntless, the tattooed "hellions" whose value is bravery, and who protect the community. Beatrice, now called Tris, finds she feels brilliantly alive in Dauntless, even during the brutal training. She enjoys seeing her muscles harden, testing her courage, protecting the underdog, and working her way up the ranks of recruits. Making both friends and enemies, she moves through simulations tailored to trigger her Fear Landscape. Gradually, her Divergence shows itself, allowing Tris to see that the faction-dominated world isn't as wonderful as she has been told.

The follow on books in the series, 'Insurgent' and 'Allegiant' are also available to borrow as well. 

Random Stuff



A big thank you to Miss Mckenna and Ms McDonald along with Miss Jeanny who have taken over the display board this week.  Looking good ladies. 

Each week there should be a 'new' book on display under the 'Book of the Week' label.  These are not necessarily new books, but ones that I think are well worth taking the time to read.  And with a number of our students reading their way through the Library, especially the series, it seems like a good method of introducing them to authors/genres that they may not  come across otherwise.  This weeks offering was 'Slice' by Steven Herrick, which was borrowed almost as soon as I put it out and next week will be 'Obernewtyn' by Isobelle Carmody, which should satisfy the series lovers in our midst as there are another six books there to be read.



 

This cartoon tickled my librarian sense of humour when I saw it.  But really so true.  Does anyone remember the story? 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and make sure you spend lots of time relaxing and READING!!   Now carry on being your awesome selves.

Weblinks

Just a few weblinks that may be of interest to staff.  There is probably (definitely) a bias on the subject of QR Codes, but that is mainly because I find them a really good hook to get kids involved. It has worked really well here in the Library and also in scavenger hunts for Guides. (A useful way of using those phones they are always attached to)

http://www.crickweb.co.uk/links-literacy.html   
(Activities and games with a literacy theme)

http://www.edudemic.com/7-fun-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-education/  
(Pretty much as the title says)

http://www.fractuslearning.com/2012/02/20/qr-codes-in-education/  
(Ideas for using QR codes in classrooms)

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/213921051020118190/
(A Pinterest board with lots of QR Code ideas for use in an educational setting)

https://www.spectronicsinoz.com/blog/apps-and-mobile-learning/qr-codes-what-are-they-and-how-can-i-use-them-in-my-classroom/
(General article about the use of QR codes in teaching and learning)

Book Review

Slice: Juicy Moments from my Impossible Life!
Author: Steven Herrick

Genre:    Humour

My name is Darcy Franz Pele Walker.
Ignore the middle names.
I do.
My Dad is a football nut and he figured if he named me after his two favourite players, I’d turn out just like them. At the age of five, I’d stand in the backyard wearing baggy blue shorts and a Brazilian jersey watching the clouds, the trees, birds tilting overhead on the breeze.
Dad would shout, ‘Ready, Darcy?  and roll the ball temptingly my way.
‘Just kick it with all you’ve got, Son.’
I’d look at the coloured panels on the ball.
‘Just swing your foot, Darcy.’
Arms extended, I’d obediently sway my right leg like a ballerina stretching.
The football experiment stopped at age eleven. Years of frustration got the better of Dad and he belted one, straight at me. Bloodcurdling screams rent the suburb.
Not from me, from Mum.
I lay on my back, a warm ooze of blood trickled down my face.
People say I look better with a broken nose.
It’s a slight lump.
You can hardly notice it.
Dad was distraught. Mum shouted at him for hours, bad language bouncing off the kitchen walls. 
Dad said I’d never have to play football again.
I almost hugged him, but I didn’t want to get blood all over his clean shirt.
Pele is some Brazilian dude, the greatest player of all time. When he retired he became the Minister for Sport in the Brazilian government. Franz is Franz Beckenbauer - the only person to win the world cup as player and a coach. In his heyday, he had a haircut like a laughing clown, curls framing an amiable round chubby face.

Darcy can cope with parents, parties and punch-ups.  He can handle his crush on the beautiful Audrey, spending quality chess-time with his nerdy mate, Noah and even the dramas of kayaking on a school excursion.  After all, he is a teenage boy - he can handle it.

Now, if only he could learn to keep his mouth SHUT!  

Harmony Day & World Poetry Day

Harmony Day

Harmony Day 21 March is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world. By participating in Harmony Day activities, we can learn and understand how all Australians from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this nation and enrich it. 
Belonging is what makes us want to be a part of something greater than ourselves. What does belonging mean to you? After almost 15 years of Harmony Day, maybe it’s time to find out.
Check out the link below to see what others are saying, to make your comments or just to find out what is happening in your area.  Here in Tennant Creek, we have the Barkly MultiCultural Food Festival happening on Saturday the 22nd March.  This will be held at the Civic Centre from 6.30pm. 

http://www.harmony.gov.au/

World Poetry Day (21 March each year) celebrates and promotes the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry worldwide. The day was declared an official observance day by UNESCO in 1999.
You could celebrate World Poetry Day in your school by learning about poems from different cultures, including from pupils’ own cultures. Or investigate different forms of poem, such as the Japanese Haiku or the Arabic Ruba’i.
Check out the link below for more information about this day.

http://www.un.org/en/events/poetryday/

International Listening Awareness Month

Just thought I would share the information with you all that apparently March is designated as International Listening Awareness Month.

And today is also World Read Aloud Day. 

Doesn't this sound like something we should be celebrating??

Blogs for Educational Resources

Below are links to some educational blogs that may be of interest to some.  These have been provided by the Yarra Plenty Regional Library and cover a wide range of areas.

8 blogs for educational resources

  Explore new learning models, thought-leadership and practical solutions for teachers with TeachThought
  For well researched ideas on the emerging movements in education you can't go past Granted and…thoughts on education
  Big Think sources big ideas from experts in many industries and explores their application in the real-world
  The Journal chronicles the latest applications of technology in education
  Mind Shift is a well-researched source for ideas and the application of learning trends
  Explore how digital media is impacting education and civic engagement at DML Research Hub
  For short explanations of a range of concepts explore the youtube channel ASAP Science
  The TED-Ed Blog keeps you informed of the latest TED talks and lessons related to Education

If these have been of some use or interest to you, you may like to check out the following link to see what else is on offer:   http://the-e-list.tumblr.com/
Enjoy.

Library Lovers Day & Banjo Paterson

Just out of interest - you may like to know that February 17th will be the 150th birthday of 'Banjo' Paterson, one of our best-loved bush poets.  As our new curriculum seems to have more of a focus on poetry it may be a day to introduce our students to some of his works.

Friday is Library Lovers Day (and Valentine's Day) and here in the Library we are pleased to be able to facilitate some meetings between books and readers in the hopes of seeing romance bloom.

We are organising Blind Dates with books.  We have lots of mysterious wrapped up parcels of eager books just waiting to be borrowed and enjoyed.  These will be on display on Friday and can be borrowed all day.  There are lots of Fiction, along with some Non-Fiction books that wanted to get in on the action as well.  All sorts of genres and information.
So come in and give it a try - what have you got to lose? 

Just for general information and pre-planning there are a number of days throughout the year that promote READING.  Some of these are;

World Read Aloud Day                           March 5th
National Simultaneous Storytime        May 21st
Indigenous Literacy Day                        September 3rd
Picture Book Month                                November

The last one is probably my favourite - love those picture books!!  So if you have any ideas of things we could do to celebrate those dates, come and see me.

I am looking for people to write brief book reviews on books they have read and enjoyed from here, so if any of your students are interested, that would be wonderful.

Have an awesome week everyone!

Welcome to 2014

Well, here we go - the start of 2014 and a whole new year of opportunities for books, and reading.  How awesome is that?  And I am BAACK!
(Well, yes - I know I am biased but that's okay.)

I thought I would start this post off with a quick reminder of some of the services we offer and maybe you could let your students know as well - or better yet, introduce them to this blog so they can find out for themselves.  Maybe you could get them to write a book review on a book they have enjoyed or write a report about their class.... after all the written word ROCKS, however it is used..

Yes - we do loan books out. We LOVE to loan books out. Loaning books out is our whole rationale. (And not just books, either) Of course, we do want them to come home at some point and can get a little upset if they don't.

• Looking for a particular book? Come and talk to us. We can organise an Inter-library-Loan or help you find where to purchase it.
• Resources: Books, DVDs, Magazines and Newspapers, iPad sets, Digital Cameras, Video Recorders, Computer Mice sets, Data Projectors, Teacher Reference, Kits........
• IWB area and a bank of computers and laptops that are available to be booked for classes. This laptop trolley is only to be used in the Library area, however.
• Help with research, proofreading of assignments, suggestions for books to read - we are your people.
• Library Skills Activities.
• A place to display your amazing class work.
• Collation of websites for subjects/classes
• Anything else?  If there is something that you think we can help with, just come and have a chat.  We have learned to be fairly good at pulling rabbits out of hats and we also like a challenge.

Students have a 2 week borrowing period while staff have a month. For most of the resources, we can adjust the loaning period for whatever is needed - at least till the end of term. However, this doesn't include the AV materials - that is a 1 week loan period only.

One of my goals for this year is to try and make the library more relevant to the needs of the school. So, now... some homework for you all.  Could you email or comment and give me some ideas on what you see as the purpose of the school library and my role in it?  I'd love to be able to make this a one-stop shop type of deal for everyone.

Below are a few quotes that I think sum up to some degree, my philosopy about libraries.  Enjoy!

"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers - a librarian can bring you back the RIGHT answer".   (Neil Gaiman)

" Libraries are full of ideas - which are perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of weapons".   (from the 'Throne of Glass')

and being a fan of Albert Einstein, how could I pass up this one?

"The only thing you absolutely HAVE to know, is the location of the Library"
(Albert Einstein)
Wishing you all a fantastic school year with lots of READING involved.  Now carry on being awesome.