Today a Reader-Tomorrow a Leader

I can't believe that we are already on the 5th week of school.  I am averaging about 4 miles a day in the library, and I LOVE how busy it stays!

About my library:

-9th-12th grade
-over 230 staff
-over 2000 students

What a great month it has been.  I will be real honest- at the end of last year I was in a funk. I had not read any books, was not super interested in creating, and felt defeated.  

The first week of school I was working late (I don't drive home in the evenings when I work my water aerobics job- easier to just stay at work) and loved hearing the sounds of the AcDec team already preparing for the year ahead, and then I heard the library door open and close. I peaked out my office to find the cheerleaders hanging up signs that promoted the library!

 

My big goal this six weeks is to students and classes into the library.  The library I am currently in has 3 different sections.  There is time for a library to be quiet, but there is also lots of time for a library to have movement, noise and collaboration.  Because this library is such a large space I have a Google spreadsheet that allows each section to be used. There have already been several times where I have had 1 or 2 classes in the library at the same time.

Collaboration

With this being a comprehensive campus, it allows for more opportunities for the library to be used in different capacities that supports all students and content areas.

Our campus has a floral department that includes a floral practicum class. I am the first to say- Displays are NOT my forte- give me something digital- and I can do it. Outside our library is two large display glass display cases.  The practicum teacher approached me at the beginning of the year and let me know that her students had done the cases in the past.  I was elated, but then asked- do I get to see a prototype of what it looks like? With that question this became more of a project that the students could collaborate on and I became the "client"

Students were:

-Divided into groups and told the theme of the cases (and one bulletin board)
-Students were given a day to come up with a drawing of what they wanted to do for the case
-Students came back in and presented to me their idea for the board
As the client- I chose 3 different displays out of about 6 (and that was hard! They all did a good job of presenting)
-The group that was chosen was in charge of the display and put the rest of the class to work
-Not only did they do the display they had to do research to see what books they could include in the display as well
-Once they were done with they came back at day later and I shared my comments/concerns as a client with the display. (also- the displays were amazing- I just had to remind students that when you are working for a client- they notice EVERYTHING)

Upcoming Programs in September

Croc Mum/Stanley Cup Mum making
We are in Texas and Mums are a big deal! With homecoming right around the corner I wanted to create a program that was fairly easy to manage.  With the help of an Amazon list (and the help of my awesome clerk Tracye for cutting hundreds of ribbon!) I was able to get enough materials for about 200 croc mums or Stanley Cup Mums.  This will be a station in the library before school.  I also have the Senior LIFE students coming in to work with our Student Leadership kids this week to create mini mums for Homecoming.

Voting Activities
Thanks to a great webinar from ALA over Reader.Voter.Ready and seeing Lucy Podmore last year at TLA the High School Librarians are preparing items to have some passive and active programs that go along with voting. 

BAM (Books Anime Manga) Club
Confession- I love programming.. I love library land.. but I have not ever had a Book Club.  There is a first time for everything and this is already on my calendar- so it is happening!

Gaming Club
I really have no idea how this will look- it was a program that has been going for the past few years- I am just going to make sure the library is a space

Lessons in the Library

Orientation
I have done orientation in so many different ways- but this year I made it super simple.  We are on a block schedule so it is 90 minute blocks.  I offered teachers 30 minute slots.  During orientation I introduced myself, shared some of my recent reads, talked about checking out books and accessing SORA and then let students check out.

Research
We have some amazing premium resources.  I have already had teachers approach me about a quick introduction into accessing these resources and the reminders of citing sources.  I have also used research to do a lesson over informational texts.

Recording
An upcoming lesson is with one of our ESL classes that are using Canva to write their own children book.  We are going to work on the record feature to have students record their books.

I love all the different opportunities that this space has to offer and I can't believe that it is only September!  What are some of your favorite things you have done so far this year?

Viral Ghost Programming

 Y'all October is ROUGH! You can probably talk to anyone in education right now.. and they will more than likely say the same thing.

I don't know if I have talked about TikTok much, but it is one of my favorite outlets.  Of course, my algorithm is a ton of library videos, animals, and dad jokes.  Right now my algorithm is all about ghostly activities.  

I have 2 big programs this month:
For the materials and templates for the directions and signs I created for these events- scroll to the bottom
-Thrifted Ghost Painting with staff
-Ghostly Photoshoot with staff and students

Have you seen the Thrift Store Ghost Painting? Look up the hashtag #thriftedghostpainting for some inspiration.  I knew that this would be a SUPER easy activity that I could easily do with my staff. I also got the inspiration from one of my Facebook Groups from Sharon Autry

Not everyone has time to go shopping at a thrift store- but I happen to know an awesome one down the street from me.  I headed to Irving Thrift I found several pieces that I could use.  I also found some AMAZING photos at the National Gallery of Art which has over 50000 items of downloadable art (there are over 1800 pages- I went to the very end of the gallery and worked backward to find the actual photographs)  The images are also in the public domain- what a great topic to talk about with our staff and I can't wait to use them again (I am already thinking of Star Wars Day!) 

I invited teachers to bring snacks- but thanks to TikTok I found some SUPER easy snacks to share as well. I decorated cups to look like Jack-O-Lanterns and added a scoop of ice cream, orange soda, and some whipped cream. I also had Monster Munch I also had some worms and dirt.

Overall the event was super successful and teachers enjoyed painting and relaxing for a bit.

My students eventually find my TikTok (I am not sure how.. I have a very niche TikTok) and ask to be in one. I personally do not allow students or kids to be in my videos because the algorithm is super weird. However, another TikTok trend is going around that they can hop on!

I purchased a package of Queen size sheets from Amazon and am inviting students and staff for a photo opp (note- I am doing only a set a day- so washing every evening!)

Let me tell you about the joy and the LAUGHS that have happened with this. This is one of my Destination ImagiNation teams.

Materials List

-cardstock

-paint brushes (from Michael's- love their Teacher Discount!)

-paint (also from Michael's)

-Thrifted paintings or print images

-Queen sheets

My students are also asking me for the next Hot Chocolate and Storytime Day.. AND.. a Book Fair.  Both of those are coming up!

Template Link

Ghost Painting/Trends by akbusybee

What have you done in the library that has been successful? I am always looking for ideas! 

Rachael and I also created a Haunted Texas Wakelet- take a look... if you dare!

May the 4th Be With You!

Last week I hosted my first literacy event that was Star Wars Themed.  There are so many different ideas out there- but here is how I hosted my "Jedi" Training. There are lots of links and pictures to go along with this.

I got a ton of ideas from this blog from Lego Librarian 

You can find my Star Wars Jedi Training Station Signs here (Canva Template)

First- I have to share my TikTok because I have to admit it was my cleanest transition yet!

I also had the help of Marie to make this happen!

On May 4th we invited students and staff to wear their best Star Wars attire  (shirt or costume) just no face covering.  The Jedi Training was after school in the library from 5:00pm-6:30pm

Of course, I had to have a voting area- thanks Nicole for giving the idea for voting We went with old-school characters.  I think in the end it was a tie between Chewie and Darth- poor Luke didn't have a chance

This was one of my displays- I got the sign idea from one of the Facebook groups- it says Reading Solo is Dangerous- take a Wookie with you (and then there were Wookie bookmarks)

This station had a QR code that led back to our databases and posed the question of what was an interesting fact that they learned about Star Wars- and then use a dry erase marker to write on the board.

Picklebums had a Build Your Own Star Wars Droid.  I printed off copies of these and invited attendees to create their own Droid.

I also found printable bookmarks that attendees could color.

You can find the I Spy  printable here 

I loved this decodable message station and will probably do something like this throughout the year.

I also had regular games set out throughout the library for students to play.

This was the Light Saber Training- I created the Light Sabers out of pool noodles that I cut in half and added duct tape.  The mission was to see how long they could keep the "Droid" (balloon) in the air. I had some students set up obstacles with some chairs.

At the end we also had a Read Aloud of Are You Scared Darth Vader by Adam Rex

I also had a station that invited attendees to put themselves into a Star Wars scene using a Canva Template.

Will I do this again- absolutely.  I think I had 7 attendees and also 5 staff that came and participated.  The high schoolers that attended were totally engaged and did the stations. At the end of the evening, I also had free books to give away.  I LOVED having conversations with these kids! I had some elementary school kids come and they walked away with picture books.  The high schoolers that came walked away with books they would enjoy.  I also have some high schoolers that have children of their own- and they walked away with board books for their little ones at home.  

Do you guys do anything for May the 4th?  My next blog is about what I plan to continue next year as a high school librarian. I can't believe that is already May and that this school year is almost done!!

Library Month 2023

 There are 3 days a year that I intentionally treat myself.  The first day of school, my birthday in January, and School Librarian Day.  

April 4th is School Librarian day, and I am geared up and ready to go for the month!  I will probably have a few more things up my sleeve but wanted to share what I have so far.

You can find what I did last year here

Since I am at a new school, I will be doing some of the same things.

Although National Library week is not until the end of the month, I am still starting the month off by celebrating School Librarian Day.

I do have Amazon links in here, but I do not make any profit off of them, I just want to share where I got my materials.

I am passing out stickers to remind students and staff that I am stuck on them.

I was pleasantly surprised with the latest stickers I ordered from Amazon.  You can find them here (and they were only $9.99 and I didn't have to get rid of any- if you do order them I would still check!)

I love all of the information/ideas/social media items that ALA has- check it out here

Monday, April 24th- Right to Read day- I am going to invite students/staff to stop by the library and share their favorite book

Tuesday, April 25th- National Librarian Worker Day- I am going to have a Book Talk Tuesday wall up for everyone to add theirs too (I am hoping this will look like a "graffiti" wall)

Wednesday, April 26th- National Library Outreach Day- I am going to have hot chocolate in the morning and then invite students and staff to create a bookmark.  There will be two options.
-Felt Bookmark that only takes two items (which I already have in my Amazon cart)- full disclosure- I haven't made these before.. so I am hoping the items that I am ordering will work.
  *Jumbo Paperclips
  *Stiff Felt Squares
-Scratch Bookmarks for Kids

Thursday, April 27th- Take Action for Libraries Day- this day I will be sharing information about what our library does for the community and various stats. It is also Poem in your Pocket day!

You can find my premade social media designs by using this Canva Template Link I did use ALA social media Instagram Square and added more to it.

Other big things this month:
-Texas Library Association Conference in Austin- are you headed that way? I am helping at the Wakelet booth and also presenting over how to be a TokStar Librarian
-I am offering Senior Photos to my students (I am not a professional, but I love taking photos- and this is something I can do for my community)
-Getting one of my teams ready for Destination ImagiNation Globals in May!!
-Planning a literacy event for our families

I plan to also share on my various social media platforms what the library looks like throughout the day.

Thank you to all the librarians out there that are continually making a difference and making sure that all stories have a place on the shelves!

Also- if you need a good template for your Twitter/Facebook there are two great ones going around right now!

Zinnia- https://twitter.com/BayardoZinnia

Melissa Corey- https://twitter.com/melissacorey

For the Love of Reading- February in the Library

 January and all of the adventures got away with me- but I am ready to ring in February.

I am starting my February in San Antonio at TCEA where I will be talking about Leveraging Your Online Presence.  I am also going to have a Pop Up Storytime to celebrate World Read Aloud Day.  Lots of links with pictures throughout the blog (along with shoutouts to all the amazing librarians that are sharing their resources!  Of course, I have lots going on at school- but it is also Destination ImagiNation season, Girl Scout cookie season, and some extra events going on at the pool that I am working at.

Things that I have planned for February

-World Read Aloud Day
-Dino Hunt
-Blind Date with a Book
-TCEA
-Keep Irving Beautiful Valentine Cards
-Black History Month

World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day is February 1st and you can find a TON of different ideas already ready-made.  Check out the Scholastic Website or check out Twitter and look for #WorldReadAloudDay23 

I will be at TCEA  that day, but I have decided I will be doing a Pop Up Storytime that will have a technology extension activity.  If I was at school- I think I would do the same thing.  I will be reading Have you Seen Gordon Adam Jay Epstein and Illustrated by Ruth Chan. I will share the activity after my storytime on Wednesday!

Dino Hunt

Are you following Melissa Corey on Twitter- if not- GO DO IT NOW! Not only does she share great programming ideas, but she also shares the templates. She just shared the Dinosaur Scavenger hunt for February and it is SO cute.  My high schoolers enjoyed the last scavenger hunt that I did- so I can't wait to get this one.  You can find the original tweet here

Blind Date with a Book

Another one of my favorite librarians to learn from is Racheal Reads- great ideas and she shares so many templates.  There are so many ideas out there for Blind Date with a Book- but I love how Rachael Reads has it set up- AND she shared her great resource! You can find it here

I had to recreate and add some of my own books.  You can find my template here

The white space on the bottom is where I added the barcode for each book for easy checkout.  For the descriptions, I used the annotation from Mackin (to make my life easier)  I also found this website that would make barcodes for me- Online Barcode Generator

TCEA

TCEA is the Texas Computer Education Association.  I have been a member of TCEA for probably about 15 years.  Every year they have an annual conference that is absolutely amazing! This year the conference is in San Antonio.  I am not able to go for the whole time, but I am slated to present on Wednesday afternoon over Leveraging Your Online Presence.  The bad news- DFW is currently under a winter storm warning... so I don't know if I am going to be able to make the drive. I will share my presentation soon!

Check out #TCEA23 on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for some great learning!

Keep Irving Beautiful Valentine's Cards

I love that Keep Irving Beautiful has started these different opportunities for the community to give back.  Last year they invited community members to create cards that would be delivered to nursing homes at Christmas- they got so much great feedback that they began to do it for Valentine's Day too.  I of course love doing programming- and doing programming that you can give back to is even better!  I create card samples and get materials for the different kinds of cards.  Students can of course create their own, but sometimes they need a little help.  To prepare for the card making I ask students to sign up first (this way I know who to expect)  I also invite attendees to create 2 cards.  They will donate one card, but then be able to keep the other card for themselves.

You can find the 3 different cards that I created by clicking on this template.

Black History Month

I don't have a huge amount of space for displays-so I try to be creative.  I created a display cart for Black History month of some of my favorite authors. Disclaimer- Most of these books are also my Keller recommendations- so I have these books visible 24/7 unless they are checked out!

What do you have planned for February? I have also been devouring books this month.  I have already finished 14 books with The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson being my favorite so far.  March will be full of Read Across America, Spring Break- and who knows what else I can fit in.