Chinese New Year is the most important holiday of the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival begins on the first day of the lunar month and ends on the fifteenth day with a Lantern Festival usually on the night of the full moon. The holiday is celebrated not only by the Chinese but also by Koreans, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Mongolians, Bhutanese and other countries with large Chinese populations such as the Philippines,Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Visiting friends and neighbors, family gatherings, fireworks, dragon dances and the giving of red envelopes are all part of the celebration. This year is the Year of the RAT, and in case you're wondering, the rat is seen as a positive symbol for the Chinese. Now that the holiday is officially over, we hope you all had a happy and prosperous New Year.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Still Working the Stacks
We are making our way through the nonfiction collection on the second floor of the library. The weeding project is complete and we expect Got Books to stop by sometime tomorrow to pick up our discards. Shifting is now taking place in the 800’s and we will work our way up to the front of the collection. I am trying to get upstairs to re-number and fine tune the call numbers in the collection as well. As I was up there sitting on a library step stool, I had a great expansive view of the stacks - they seem to go on and on. It is a good time of year for projects such as these and the reward will be a well organized collection for our users!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Capturing the News as it Happens
Here at the library we are always looking for current event displays, something timely that will utilize parts of the collection that may not always get seen. Yesterday brought about such a display when we learned that Fidel Castro, leader of Cuba for 49 years was resigning. It was a good day to whip up a display and Ms. Toumayan quickly got to work on the visuals, Castro’s letter of resignation and other facts from the news story of the day. Ms. Chase pulled together the collection of DVDs and books, and in a blink of the eye the display was up for visitors to browse. Some of the materials from the display include, Fidel: the untold story (DVD 972.91 FID), Moments with Fidel (DVD 972.91 MOM), Fidel: a critical portrait (972.91 SZU) and A Contemporary Cuba Reader (972.91 CON) . A listing of all the materials on display can be found in the display set in Flickr.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Adding Microphones to our Inventory!
As I wrestled with the recalcitrant packaging of the new michrophones this morning, I was struck anew by the changing demands in the library. Not only do we supply the access to information in all manner of formats and the help in wading through it, we also supply the technical gadgetry for assessments. Students are doing more with recording themselves reading poems and personal essays. They are also doing interviews. Students in ESL do several interview projects throughout the year. Previously, we used the tape recorder. This year, it's a laptop with a microphone or a video camera. We now have barcoded in our collection headsets, microphones, wireless laptops, digital still cameras, a digital video camera, and a tripod. (The best part of having all this equipment in the library? The students show me how to use it!)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Soup's On at the Academy
All of the librarians headed over to the Philips building today to take a glimpse at the colorful display of ceramic bowls and to help support Soup's On. A project led by students, Soup's On helps raise money for the Cape Ann food pantry. Students and some faculty make hundreds of bowls to sell during Parent's Weekend. I was able to take a quick picture after the crowds subsided, but between the hours of 11:00 and 1:00 there was not an empty space to stand. For more information about this event, take a look at The Governor's Academy webpage.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Humor to the Rescue
This time of year calls for a change in our reading habits. No more sad or depressing fiction books to feed our winter doldrums. We need humor right now! I highly recommend any of the books by Carl Hiaasen. Not only are they set in sunny Florida, but they are laugh-out-loud hilarious. We have the following novels in our collection:
Basket Case, A death in China, Double Whammy, Hoot, Lucky You, Nature Girl, Powder Burn, Sick Puppy, Skinny Dip, Stormy Weather, Strip Tease, Tourist Season and Trap Line.
Basket Case, A death in China, Double Whammy, Hoot, Lucky You, Nature Girl, Powder Burn, Sick Puppy, Skinny Dip, Stormy Weather, Strip Tease, Tourist Season and Trap Line.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Love Letters
In keeping with the theme of love and Valentine’s this week, we have a display in the main hall of the library that highlights Love Letters from over the centuries. There is nothing more romantic than expressing feelings from the heart with the written word. A letter is timeless. There is a diverse group of letters as part of the display, sonnets, poems, novels, a biography of letters, graphic novels and a book of photography. There is no wrong way to write a love letter, so get inspired, there is still time! Browse the books in our display, you never know what the loves of the past can teach us today. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Being part of NMRLS
In Massachusetts, if a school library has a Department of Ed certified librarian or has a librarian who has an MLS, that library can participate in one of the regional library systems. We are part of the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System which has libraries that are public, academic, special, and school. As part of this system, we get access to databases the region purchases, to Inter-library Loan, to supplementary reference, to consulting services, and to Continuing Education workshops. We also get more than just a list of services – we get access to librarians who support us as we grow in librarianship. Last year when we were stumped by a wiki format, Susan Babb came to our library and helped us move forward. As we embarked on our library planning, Susan and Mary Behrle came and participated in the beginning stages. Scott Kehoe has answered questions that arise with our participation in MassCAT.
But, in addition to receiving, we are also participating. I have been on the Continuing Ed Committee for several years. We survey members, look at needs, and try to create workshops that meet at times amenable to members working very different kinds of schedules. We also try to anticipate the training needs to respond to Library 2.0.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tell Us What You Love
As part of our Valentine Week celebration we have an interactive board in the front lobby where people can share what they love. Several book titles have been added to the board with colorful heart sticky notes, many being favorites from childhood. For those who are stumped about a book title, they can post what inspires them, many interesting ideas have been posted so far. We hope to see the board fill up as the week goes on. The books that were pulled for this display include The Top Ten: writers pick their favorite books (028.9 TOP), Chocolate for a Teen’s Heart (158.2 ALL), Women Who Love Books Too Much (028.9 KNI), My Life as a Furry Red Monster (170.44 CLA), and Leave Me Alone I’m Reading (028.9 COR). As the winter winds howl outside the library here in Byfield, it is the perfect time to think of those things that we love most, I may need to add “a warm sunny day, on the beach, with a great book…” Happy Reading!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Guess the kisses
The library has fallen back on some old-fashioned fun with our "Guess the Kisses" jar. The guessing will last until the end of the day on Valentine's Day, and the person with the closest guess, without going over, will win the jar. Good Luck!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Freshman IFA Pots
Twice a year, Mrs. Okula brings Indian pots made by her freshman in her Introduction to Fine Arts class for display in the library. It is a much anticipated treat for us each time she brings them to us. Each one is carefully wrapped in wads of newspaper and safely placed in a cardboard box. We unwrap each one like a Christmas gift, giddy with anticipation. They are coil built and then stone polished. The students then scratch their own design into the surface before the piece is fired in an electric kiln. They are always magnificent, each differing in design and shape.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
A Poet With Local Ties
Edna St. Vincent Millay is the subject one of our displays for the month of February. A poet with local ties, the display depicts a timeline of her life including her childhood at Ring’s Island and Lime Street in Newburyport. Recently, Library Director Susan Chase took a trip to Ring’s Island to take photos of the home Millay stayed at with her family. Millay was the first woman poet to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1923. Events from the time period of Millay’s life are highlighted with the titles on display, including the depression, the Sacco and Vanzetti trial, authors of the 1920’s, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and numerous biographies on Millay. For more information on Edna St. Vincent Millay, read her profile on Poets.org.
Monday, February 04, 2008
An Eye on Haiku
The magnet boards in the library have been getting heavy use as you can see from our haiku board pictured to the right. A haiku was not necessarily created on this day, but someone was indeed creative by piecing together this magnetic eye. We often times stumble upon interesting and creative uses of the words provided in the haiku set. For those who enjoy exploring the world of poetry and specifically, haiku, there are some wonderful forums where haiku can be submitted to online journals. Simply Haiku provides wonderful examples of this poetic form, along with many others. The Heron’s Nest and Roadrunner Journal, other quarterly online journals, allow budding haiku poets to submit their work for publication. Next time you are in the library, seek out one of our magnetic poetry boards. You may be surprised by what you can come up with.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Kiss the Frog
“Kiss the Frog” is our newest display to greet visitors as they walk into the front door of the library. Filled with fairy tales for older readers, some titles have already magically found their way into the hands of the library’s most enthusiastic readers. Titles such as The Frog Prince: a fairy tale for consenting adults (FIC MIT) by Mitchell, Goose Chase (FIC KIN) by Kindl and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (FIC MAG) by Maguire are just a few of the titles on display. For a complete listing, visit the Pesky Display page in Flickr. You are never too young or old for a fairy tale. Great stories are ones that can be retold and reshaped again and again. Come visit our display and hop on in to a great read!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Favorite author
Although our students complain that they have little time to read outside of their classroom assignments, there is an author that is mentioned time and time again by the students as a favorite when they have the time to read for pleasure. Jodi Picoult is able to capture their imagination with her timely plots, often taken right from the headlines of the day. We own 11 of her books and they are all popular. Harvesting the Heart, Mercy, My Sister's Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Pact, Plain Truth, Salem Falls, Second Glance, Songs of the Humpback Whale, The Tenth Circle and Vanishing Acts are in our collection, but not necessarily on the shelf.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Refining the Collection
I am not the kind of librarian who loves to weed. Faced with a book that hasn't gone out since the 1960's, I still try to manufacture an excuse as to why we should keep it - perhaps its historical significance???? (although that's hard to justify among the hard sciences!) But when faced with a need to weed, I can be ruthless. Our library management system was bought out last year by another vendor and I am exploring my options. But with any decsion, paying the migration of unnecessary records is NOT an option.
Fortunately, weeding does have its 'fun' moments. In the front of a little math book was handwritten "You were voted onto the social committee. Don't tell yet!" And when was the last time you even saw a black bobbypin, never mind one used as a bookmark?
Fortunately, weeding does have its 'fun' moments. In the front of a little math book was handwritten "You were voted onto the social committee. Don't tell yet!" And when was the last time you even saw a black bobbypin, never mind one used as a bookmark?
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
What's Missing??????
As students depart for home for the semester break, you'll see an unususal sight - an empty library. We pride ourselves on the number of students we serve each and every day and keep statistics to show our numbers. But tomorrow is the end of the first semester and second quarter of the school year. Both students and staff will get a well-deserved 4 day break. We'll look forward to seeing our students fill the library again on Wednesday, January 30th.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A Surprising Culture
The Governor’s Academy ESL students recently completed a project on Flickr titled “A Surprising Culture.” Students were asked to capture the differences between American culture and their own through photographs and descriptions. This year’s ESL students come from Russia, China, and Taiwan, and each has a unique perspective on how life at The Governor’s Academy differs from the schools they came from. This is the second year that Flickr was used with this class led by Mrs. Gold. Last year students put together a set called "A Day in the Life."
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Recycling at The Academy
As one of our green efforts, we recycle in the library. In the foyer is our main recycling basket for cans and bottles. We also have a container in the Electronic Classroom. Students in the Afternoon Program work under Dr. Scheintaub to recycle water bottles and to redeem returnables for cash which is donated to Partners in Health. The Academy raises about $1000 each year this way.
Two new books point the way to everyday strategies for recycling and reusing. True Green: 100 Everyday Ways You Can Contribute to a Healthier Planet (333.72 MCK) and Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew, and Reuse to Make Things Last (363.72 BAI.) Both books can be found in the Green Cup Display in the front of reference.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Martin Luther King Day at the Academy
The Academy celebrates Martin Luther King day in a special way this year as the schedule pictured indicates. It is a day full of discussion, listening, and gaining a better understanding of how to make Dr. King's dreams a reality. A full description of todays events can be found on the Governor's website. The book pictured on the left, Mine Eyes Have Seen: bearing witness to the struggle for civil rights, depicts the civil rights movement through photos and essays. Although it mainly focuses on Martin Luther King, it also includes other leaders and community organizations that have worked and continue to work for equality.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Documenting acquisitions
Arriving in a steady stream at the Pesky Library are new books and DVDs. We struggle with the best ways to let the academy community know what we have. E-mails go out to individuals or departments highlighting titles we think match-up. All new books are entered into LibraryThing before they are placed on the new book shelves in the front alcove. Lately, we have started taking pictures of books and DVDs, sometimes an entire small order, sometimes a group on a theme. We put the pictures into a New Aquisitions Set on Flickr with a list of the titles in the description. If anything strikes your fancy, send us a message and we'll hold it for you!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Reading for Pleasure
Most students enjoyed the holiday break and several even mentioned that they enjoyed the free time to READ. When asked what they had read over the vacation, some of the titles mentioned were: Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, Jeanette Walls' The Glass Castle (our commmon book for this year), J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Jhumpa Lahiri's InterpreterThe of Maladies, Ann Brashares' The Last Summer of You and Me, Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, Catherine Clark's Maine Squeeze, Jenna Bush's Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope, Jodi Picoult's Vanishing Acts:A Novel, Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres, J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey, Stephenie Meyer's New Moon, Cinda Williams Chima's The Warrior Heir, Daniel Silva's The Messenger, Scott Westerfeld's Specials, Jodi Picoult's Keeping Faith, Diana Gabaldon's The Outlander, and Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. This list is an eclectic mix, for sure. However, it seems that when students have free time, some of them will pick up a book and read for pleasure. Several students even asked the librarians for suggestions for titles before the vacation. We think "Reading for Pleasure" is an encouraging trend.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Aviator Has Returned
You never know what will come through the door of the library. Today we received a package from one of our former students from Thailand with a DVD inside. It seems The Aviator has been traveling about, but has now been returned to the Pesky Library. Our DVDs are a popular part of the collection, so to have a student really make an effort to return one is appreciated!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Race is Underway
With the Presidential election year well underway, the library will be following the political events of the coming months on our current events board. The map side will document the results of the primaries and caucuses in the coming months by tallying the top winners for each party. The opposite side will hold the headlines from local papers as candidates forge on to November. This will be an evolving display and a wonderful record of how the democratic system works. Stay
tuned… Monday, January 14, 2008
View from a window...
Friday it was rain, today it is snow. As the classes change and students move from building to building, I can see them hunkering down trying to keep the snow out of their faces. This would be the perfect day to pick up Winter World: the ingenuity of animal survival (591.43 HEI), Snow in America (551.57 MER), A Guide to Nature in Winter (574.5 STO), or Little Book of Snowflakes (551.57 LIB), all located in the front lobby of the library.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Rainy Day Project
The month of January becomes the perfect time to take up projects old and new. We have been making our way through the history collection, weeding and adjusting call numbers when the time allows. It just so happens that today lends itself well to such a project with the rain pouring outside. Upstairs on the second floor all is quiet, and with a laptop, call number paperwork, and highlighter at the ready, the project continues! As we find books that need more specific call numbers, we pull them aside with the subject specific number and the changes are made in cataloging. Our history collection is looking good as it is being fine-tuned and makes it much easier for our students to locate the subject they need.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Global warming impact on sports
During the presentation yesterday by Joe Zillo from the Defenders of Wildlife on climate change, he mentioned this issue of Sports Illustrated. The article "Going, going GREEN" by Alexander Wolff made some points that I hadn't thought about. Beyond the rising seas' effects on the coasts, golf courses' changing uses of resources, and the impact of the warmer winters on ski areas (issues that we often read about in this geographical area,) he discussed how temperature affects the distance a ball travels, how the emerald ash borer is munching through the trees used to make bats, and how sports arenas will need to become sustainable. If you want to read the article, we have this issue of the magazine at the circulation desk. Come on by!
Monday, January 07, 2008
New Projects ~ Creating a Mash-up in English
With exams now behind us and a new year ahead, this is a time when new projects are introduced before the completion of the semester. An exciting project we have seen comes from one of the Academy’s A.P. English Classes. Students will be preparing a “mash-up” of audio and visual images based on one of the poems from the British Romantic Poets. Students will be using Audacity (or a recording program of their choosing) to record their poems. We (an English teacher and librarians) learned how to use this program during a collaborative brainstorming session last week. Students arrived today as pictured, and were given further instructions on how to record their p
oems, how to add music and gather images for their mash-ups. Students have the opportunity to bring their poems to life using dynamic technologies and we look forward to working with them to see how their projects evolve.
oems, how to add music and gather images for their mash-ups. Students have the opportunity to bring their poems to life using dynamic technologies and we look forward to working with them to see how their projects evolve.
Friday, January 04, 2008
A New Year : A New Challenge
Happy New Year to all! This New Year brings new opportunities to members of the Governor’s Academy as the Green Cup Challenge is well underway. The library has joined the efforts by providing resources on “going green” as pictured in the display. Some of our new titles include: Wake Up and Smell the Planet: the non-pompous, non-preachy grist guide to greening your day (333.72 WAK), Wisdom for a Livable Planet (333.72 MCD), How to Live Well Without Owning a Car (332.024 BAL), Organic, Inc.: natural foods and how they grew (338.171 FRO), North Country (DVD NOR), When the Levees Broke (DVD 976.33 WHE), and Who Killed the Electric Car (DVD 629.22 WHO). For a full listing of the resources on display visit the library’s Flickr Display page. We look forward to adding new resources to the display as the Green Cup Continues in the coming months in hopes of inspiring all who take part!
Friday, December 14, 2007
A Splendid Start to the Holiday Break!
The storm came yesterday afternoon exactly as forecast. We closed at 7 and our evening blogger never made it in. We arrived this morning to a campus transformed. Students leave after their morning exam and the timing of the storms (another to come tomorrow evening) should make for safe travel. Classes resume on January 3rd. We wish for all a time of peace and family and relaxation.See you all in 2008. Happy New Year!!!!!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
December DVDs
As we draw closer to winter break, it is a perfect time to think about catching up on some rest and leisure activities. We have a new selection of DVD’s that have arrived just in time for the break. Students are already perusing the shelves looking for some great movies to enjoy in their down time. Some of the titles include: Ratatouille, Waitress, Elf, The Namesake, La Vie en Rose, Love and Basketball, and Amazing Grace. For a complete listing of the December DVD’s visit the New Acquisition set on the Pesky Flickr page. Happy Viewing!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The mass exodus for exam #2
The clock has just struck 1:00 and students emerge from all corners of the library. They depart for their second exam of the day, English. The library has been a bustling place as students work together or alone to prepare for the days ahead.
Monday, December 10, 2007
A quiet corner found
As students prepare for their Science and English exams tomorrow, they are staking out spots where they feel comfortable. This student found a back corner overlooking the Sager Bowl although his eyes have remained on his text and not on the wintry mess outside.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Stille Nacht
Each year students from German classes come a'caroling in the library. This year we were fortunate to have multiple verses of Stille Nacht and O Tannenbaum sung to us Students and librarians gather round.. And, although there are many lovely holiday traditions here at the Academy, this is my personal favorite!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Exams are coming!
Ready or not! Next week begins exam week at the Governor's. For the first time, exams are being given before Christmas break, and students are buckling down to study. There is a change in the atmosphere as students seem to realize that the time is here to use their study time wisely. Different rules apply in the library during exam week. We strongly encourage that there be silence throughout the library and most everyone seems to understand the reason behind these stricter rules during this time. Hopefully everyone will do well on their tests and then go home to a much deserved rest and to enjoy the festivities of the season.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Christmas Book Tree
Aahh, holiday memories of curling up with a delightful Christmas story, a cup of cocoa and those you love crowded around. The holidays are all about reminiscing and thinking back to those simpler times when we were a wee bit younger. What better nostalgic activity than to pick up a picture book for the holidays like the classic Night Before Christmas, or maybe something a bit more recent such as Auntie Claus. We have decorated our book tree with holiday picture books ready to make their way to the warmth of your home. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Happy Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the eight day festival of light, begins today at sundown and will be celebrated until December 12. Surrounding our menorah are a few titles offering a history of hanukkah, recipes for traditional foods, and activtites for the celebration, they include: Hanukkah: the family guide to spiritual celebration (296.4 WOL), Celebrate: stories of the Jewish Holidays (296.4 HER), A Hanakkah Treasury (296.4 HAN), and In the Jewish Tradition: a year of festivities and foods (296.4 FEL). For further information on the history and traditions of Hanukkah, visit the Jewish Outreach Institute. Best wishes to families and friends during this holiday season!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Patriot Momentum
We salute the New Englad Patriots with a special display. We hope to change it weekly by placing a rising number in the win column. This has been a truly exciting season for a fan. First, the question of Asante Samuel - would he sign or not? Second, the Cheating gate scandal. What were they thinking? Third, the incredible streak of wins with lopsided scores. Were the Pats bad guys to go for it on fourth down when they were already in a blow-out game? (Forgive me editorializing, but really. It is the NFL - step up your defense!) Fourth, the hype around the Colts game with the Pats cast as the Evil Empire. Fifth, the close game with the Eagles. The team is on a march towards eclipsing the 1972 Miami record. One of our books on display, The blueprint: how the New England Patriots beat the system to create the last great NFL superpower by Christopher Price is an interesting look at how a team is put together. Also available is Tom Brady's Moving the Chains and David Halberstam's Education of a Coach. Stop by and check out one of the books. Since we have to wait until Monday night for the game at Baltimore, there is a long Sunday afternoon minus a game to spend reading!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Cooking display is growing
Tis the Season for cooking and baking and gingerbread house making, and we're here to help. Our display of cookbooks is getting considerable attention from both staff and students. We have books on how to bake breads, how to make gingerbread treats, how to prepare delicious soups and vegetarian fare, and slow cooker recipes. Cookbooks by Rachael Ray are popular selections and both easy and fancy holiday cookie recipes are beautifully illustrated for those looking for just the right treats for this special time of year. The only thing missing is the aroma of those freshly cooked goodies.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Communication Today
We recently had a display created on the timely topic of communication and the changes that have occured over the decades. E-mail and texting have replaced the paper and pen and have also changed how we communicate and the language we use to communicate. Control*ALT*Delete: a dictionary of cyberslang (REF 004.03 KEA) helps to decipher all the new lingo we must learn such as a Flame War, Googlage, and Mojibake. For a refresher on how to send various types of e-mails take a look at SEND: the essential guide to e-mail for office and home (658.054 SHI), it may prevent you from making any communication blunders!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Our Apples are Local
The dining hall has been buying produce locally when feasible. A great treat this fall has been the apples from Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury. We have been able to sample many different varieties from the early crops to later pickings. Each apple variety has been labelled with name and characteristics. I suppose as the season gives way to winter we shall be grabbing the more familiar Delicious apple variety once more but being more up-front and personal with what we were eating this fall was good.I believe that growing our own food and buying locally and in season is really the future of our planet. The library has several books which address the local movement. The Revolution will not be Microwaved: Inside America's Underground Food Movements by Sandor Ellix Katz
Friday, November 16, 2007
Yeah team!
Spirits are high in the library as we prepare to leave for the Thanksgiving break in three hours (and counting!) But whoops were coming from one corner of the library as these boys huddled around a computer and read the results of the Varsity Basketball try-outs! Their joy was infectious for about three minutes and then we all remembered where we were. Congratulations! And may we all have a blessed time with family and friends and return to school rested and ready to try the new exam schedule.
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