Dear Readers,

Thank you for all your patience at the start of the new school year.  We completed our fiction reorganization project with the help from many parents – thank you, thank you!  The fiction collection (over 5,000 books) is divided up into four new groups:  Picture books (PIC FIC), books in a series (SERIES FIC), everybody readers (ER FIC) and chapter books (FIC).  This should help students find the book that’s right for them.

To facilitate students in finding the right books, lessons are provided throughout the year.  All students have been given tours and maps of the library to understand the new organization.  Lessons on how to find fiction and nonfiction books occur all year long.  For example, students in all grades learn about the Dewey Decimal System for nonfiction and author scavenger hunts for fiction.  Lessons begin as whole group and sometimes continue in pairs or small groups.  In addition, lessons on our on-line catalog are provided.  Finally, read alouds and book talks occur throughout the year.

Happy Reading, Mrs. Bizier

Curriculum

The library program encourages students to become effective users of ideas and information, independent critical thinkers, and passionate about reading. Lessons are developed in conjunction with the school’s curriculum to create an integrated learning experience. All students in grades 1-4 visit the library a minimum of once a week to borrow books. Individual students may visit the library during the day with teacher permission. Additional time is scheduled to assist classroom activities on a flexible basis.

Checkout Policy

Students in grades 1-4 may checkout two items (combination of book/CD/Magazine). Exceptions are made for school projects and items put on hold. Items are not date stamped, but students should return items within a reasonable time (1-2 weeks). Items may be renewed if needed.

Volunteers

Thank you to all the volunteers that help keep our library running smoothly. There is always a need for more volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me in person, by email or our parent library volunteer coordinator, Sue Hall. Activities can be as follows: shelving, organizing shelves, pulling books for projects, repairing books, updating the bulletin board, etc. No experience necessary, flexible hours and quick training is available.

Nutmeg Award

The Nutmeg Children's Book Award encourages children in grades 4-6 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of ten nominated titles. Jointly sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) and the Connecticut Educational Media Association (CEMA), the Nutmeg Committee is comprised of children's librarians, school library media specialists and teachers.

All books nominated for the award must be:

• A work of fiction, with appeal for readers in grades 4-6;
• Written by an author who currently resides in the United States;
• Copyrighted in the United States, and first published no more than five years from date of selection;
• Currently in print, and available in paper back as well as hard cover;
• Well-written, with strong characterization, a vivid setting, striking language, a well-constructed plot, and a plausible conclusion.
• Students in grades 4, 5 and 6th grade vote by official NCBA ballot in January for their favorite title at school.
• Each student may vote only once.