Reading for Pleasure and Test Scores

It should come as no surprise that reading for pleasure can increase standardized test scores.  Now there is a study to confirm this self evident concept.

Follow this link for a concise summary of the report from the University of London's Institute of Education.

For a lengthier article about the study, click here.

Rappin' Librarian

Click here for a link to the rap performance of "Ode to Librarians."  It's a realistic view, edged with humor, of all the resources and activities in a library.  Yo, don't miss it!

Top 100 Chapter Books

Here's a link to a School Library Journal poll on best fiction chapter books.  Click here, and take a look and see what  librarians' favorites are, both new and old.

Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign up Month

Chances are you have a library card, but New Jersey libraries are always  adding new and improved resources, events and more for patrons to  enjoy.  

There's a lot more than just checking out books.  Here's a list of things you can do at the library:

  1.  Take the kids to see a free movie.

  2.  Download an e-book.

  3.  Update your Facebook page.

  4.  Learn about job seeking resources.

  5.  Find out about childcare centers in the area.

  6.  Learn about local candidates for office.

  7.  Pick up voter registration information.

  8.  Check out your favorite graphic novel.

  9.  Pick up a DVD

10. Get free wireless access11. Attend a family game night.

12. Attend a resume writing workshop.

13. Get new ideas for redecorating your house.

14. Attend a family crafts workshop.

15. Attend a lecture or workshop.

16. Book a meeting room for your club or community organization.

17. Attend preschool story hour with your child.

18. Get help with homework.

19. Look up all kinds of health information.

20. Trek to another planet in a Sci-Fi novel.

21. Research your term paper.

22 Learn about the history or your city or town.

23. Decide which computer to buy using a consumer guide.

24. Explore new opportunities: research of schools and colleges.

25. Borrow or download an audiobook for your next road trip or commute.

26. Use the library’s resources to start a small business.

27. See a new art exhibit.

28. Volunteer as a literacy tutor.

29. Broaden your world by checking out cookbooks from other cultures.

30. Ask for a recommended reading list for your kids.

31. Learn a new language with books or online databases.

32. Get a book from interlibrary loan.

33. Enroll your child in a summer reading program.

34. Take a computer class.

35. Find a new hobby.

36. Take out the latest fashion magazine.

37. Enjoy a concert.

38. Trace your family tree.

39. Check out a special collection of rare books.

40. Investigate a legal questioner issue.

41. Follow your friends on Twitter.

42. Learn about home improvement.

43. Take a class on how to use your new digital device.

44. Get involved – join you library’s Friends group or teen advisory board.

45. Pick up tax forms.

46. Connect with other people in the community.

47. Find a quiet spot, curl up with a book and enjoy.

A New Year in the Library

Mount Prospect Library is at the heart of the school, and reading is at the heart of learning.  Here is the library preview that was shown to students in grades 4 and 5.  I've asked your children what kind of students they want to be this year.

Click below to watch the Mount Prospect Library video slideshow on Youtube.

What Parents Should Know

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) has among its stated goals:  addressing issues, anticipating trends, and setting the future agenda for the school library profession.

There is a parent section to their website that you may find of interest.  You may be surprised at what librarians do and what roles libraries can play. 

Check it out!  Click here to go to AASL and the parent resources.

Your Teacher Librarian

We all think we know what librarians do. After all, we've all been in libraries and checked out books or even asked the occasional reference question.

Aahh, but do you really know what's going on behind the desk and behind the scenes in school libraries across the country? Take a look at the graphic below for an in depth look at today's librarians. Click on the weblink to see a larger image and to get more interactive with the topics.

http://yourteacherlibrarian.wikispaces.com/Are+You+Ready%3F