In the Library:
I accomplished a lot last week! I thought through what was coming up, and made lists about what needed to get done first. When is the best time to do something? What comes first? What is MOST important? Looking back, I figured it out for myself. Much of what I did was part of the important (and invisible) work that librarians do: mission statements, goal-setting, planning, etc. But I also fixed up my office space: it needed a bit of a touch-up decor-wise. Although I don't spend a lot of time here, having a quiet space that is nice to look at makes me happy! Also, the library is reasonably ready for teachers (and district visitors) next week. It's rather like having the entire family over for Sunday dinner for the first time! (Although I am not cooking actual food -- just great learning!) Some new posters and signs went up, although I have ordered a few more.)
And, lastly, my bulletin boards are done (thanks to an AMAZING parent volunteer)! With guests coming into the building this week, this is important! (Also, it gives me a chance to showcase new books).
This coming week I will get my schedule set up, talk with teachers, and map out campus and curriculum needs. The most important thing that will happen this week is that I will reconnect with everyone! I anticipate discussions about summers, families, and books!
How will it all get done? I know it will take time, diligence, and focus. But motivating me forward is the sheer love of learning, books, libraries, and more importantly, my goal to support every learner in my school.
On my bookshelf:
Recently I read:
This is a middle grade fantasy with a storytelling quality that stands out -- complete with "witches", magic, moonlight, and love for family. A nice witch named Xan rescues abandoned children and sends them to better lives --while feeding them starlight. But then comes baby Luna and everything changes. It's a fairy tale wrapped up in a story about a girl coming into her own. Devote several hours to it. The imagery is powerful!
Marie Tharp loved maps as a child. She traveled a lot with her father, and this fed her passion for exploration. She pursued her dream of becoming a scientist, and then set on a goal to map the seafloor. Told in first person, this nonfiction picture book is engaging as well as informative, and it will no doubt inspire more research into the life of this amazing scientist!
JOURNEY and QUEST are the first two in this trilogy by Aaron Becker. How many times have I walked someone over to these books and seen their eyes light up when they look at the stunning illustrations? Countless. And how many times have I said "Wow!" when we read the wordless story together? Innumerable. RETURN (the last book in the trilogy) was released this week, and it will take readers to more joy and wonder. I can't wait to share it with readers.
I highly recommend each of these three books!
Thank you for reading my blog! And if you are a librarian or teacher, I wish you a fabulous year!