I.S. 68 Library Blog

PLEASE RETURN YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS

2011-06-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

It is hard to believe that June is already in full swing. Before you leave for the summer, I hope you will return your library books. Currently, our school has over 700 overdue books. That translates into approximately $14,000.00 in lost materials. Sadly, our book budget has been cut for five years in a row and will decrease again in the Fall. So, it is very important to hold on to the books that we have in our collection in order to make sure our students have plenty of good quality materials to read for pleasure and to support their exit projects and other research assignments.

When you return your books, I will clear your record in the computer system. You will not be charged a late fee, even if the book is years late. If you lost your books, please check with me to find out the cost of replacement.

Thank you for your help in maintaining our school library.

Your friendly librarian,

Mrs. Kinast

This Book Trailer is AWESOME!!

2011-03-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

The IS 68 Library Book Club made this book trailer video using Animoto software and I am very proud of their work.

Check out the hotness by clicking the link below:

IS 68 - Hunger Games

Then, read the book!

Check the SweetSearch widget I just added to this blog!

2011-03-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

SweetSearch is a great way to make sure your search isn't polluted with advertisements, personal websites and harmful or inaccurate information. The SweetSearch4You is a search engine that allows you to search only safe, educational information. It is a great tool for school research. Give it a try.

Exit project season

2011-03-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

Are you finding the best information for your exit project? If you aren't sure, consider trying out the databases on the library homepage. You can access them from any computer with Internet access as long as you have the username and password (available upon request). Just send me an e-mail at bkinast@is68.org if you want the login information or if you'd like some guidance in finding quality sources for your research.

Technology Classes

2011-02-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

Class 270, 272 and 273 are currently working on designing their own online communities or social networking sites. I have seen some very interesting ideas already and I am anxious to see which individuals or teams come up with the most creative plans.

If you are in my Tech class, please remember to check your snapgrades account regularly to make sure you have turned in all homework assignments and access extra credit opportunities. The snapgrades URL is http://snapgrades.net/.

FYI - Your school library has what you need.

2010-12-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few examples of what you can find in your IS 68 Library:

Primary Documents
Articles
Non-fiction
Databases
Maps
Encyclopedia
Graphic Novels
Fiction
Websites
Almanacs
Dictionaries
A helpful librarian

Spelling Bee Champions

2010-12-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

ALL of the spelling bee contestants deserve praise for winning their class spelling bees and making it to the school-wide competition.

Three students will be going on to compete at the district-level spelling bee in January.

They are: Carolyn Elyzee, Megane Nacier and Leanza Mclean

We are so proud of you and we know you will make us proud at the district bee!

Library Research

2010-11-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Classes 275 and 265 came to the library today for research lessons. I am available for research help throughout the year. See you in the library.

TOP 5 Most-checked out-books at IS 68

2010-10-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

FYI (For your information) -

These are the most checked out books of the month at Bildersee -

1. The chronicles of Vladimir Tod : tenth grade bleeds
	FIC BRE Brewer, Heather.

2. The Hunger Games
	FIC COL Collins, Suzanne.

3. The music of dolphins
	FIC HES Hesse, Karen.
	Published 2005
	Reading Level: 3.5 Interest Level: 3-6

4. Prince of Persia, the graphic novel
	741.5 SIN Sina, A. B.

	I

5. Breaking dawn
	FIC MEY Meyer, Stephenie, 1973-

Spelling Bee and Book Fair

2010-10-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

October = fun with the Book Fair and the school-wide spelling bee just around the corner!

Here's what you need to know:
1. The book fair will be here from October 22 through October 29. Ask your teacher when your class is signed up to visit and be ready to shop!
2. Each class will have a spelling bee this month to determine who will go on to compete in the school-wide spelling bee in November. Go to www.myspellit.com or www.wordcentral.com to find word lists and fun ways to practice.

Library Procedures

2010-09-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

These procedures should be posted in your classrooms, but just in case you haven't seen them, here they are:

YOUR LIBRARY @ I.S. 68

Services: Lending books, computers for research, research assistance for students and teachers, library orientation, information skills lessons, database training, SmartBoard for presentations, meeting space

Procedures for using the library:

1. Request permission from your teacher to visit the library (at least one day in advance). You must visit the library during a class or auditorium period. Your pass should include a purpose for visiting the library and you must stay on task in the library. Lunch passes will not be given by teachers.

2. Books may be borrowed for two weeks before they are considered late. You may request one renewal if you need the book(s) for more than two weeks.

3. Return your borrowed books to the library BOOK DROP in the hallway, not to the librarian’s desk.

4. Late books will result in (1) a late notice, (2) a hold on your report card, (3) and/or cancellation of all borrowing and visiting privileges. Lost books must be paid for in order to reinstate your library privileges.

5. Computers are for research or academic use only. Non-educational games or websites are not permitted. Accessing non-educational games, downloading material, instant messaging, social networking or viewing inappropriate content on the Internet will result in your loss of privileges and referral to your teacher/dean.

6. The librarian reserves the right to send students out of the library for inappropriate behavior. Extreme cases may result in contacting your dean or a permanent library ban.

7. Students are responsible for saving documents and checking out books before the bell rings. At the sound of the bell, students must exit the library promptly.

8. The library is open for appointments during the following periods Monday through Friday: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8.

Teachers are welcome to visit during open hours to request services. Teachers may also contact me at extension 2320 or bkinast@is68.org.

Your librarian,

Mrs. Kinast

WELCOME BACK!!

2010-09-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful summer vacation filled with fun and some good books too. If you read something great over the break, let me know. I will order it for the library. I am taking suggestions for books to add to the collection. Enjoy your first day back and have a great year! Keep checking the library blog for updates.

See you in September

2010-05-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hello library friends,

I guess the library closed earlier than I expected it would because my baby came two weeks early. I hope that you will put your books in the book drop if you still have books checked out. For those of you who will be returning next year, I look forward to seeing you in September. To the 8th graders, I'll miss you and I wish you all the best in your future. Don't forget to keep reading over the Summer to keep your brain sharp for the Fall.

- Mrs. Kinast

Library Closing Early

2010-05-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

As I will be having a baby very soon, there will be no more check outs for the remainder of the school year. It is very important that you return the books you currently have in your possession as soon as possible so that the library will not suffer from too much book-loss this summer. If you return your books before I leave, you will not be charged any late fees.

Please drop your books in the book drop or come in to pay for your lost books right away. I'll be back in September and your borrowing record will still be in the computer. If you haven't returned books from this year, you will not have borrowing rights next year until you return or replace the books.

To the graduating 8th graders -

Congratulations on completing this part of your educational career! Read as much as you can and keep challenging yourself. You already know how to use computers for fun and communication, but try to also learn how to use technology for research and projects. Remember that you are the master of your own destiny, so don't wait for your teachers or friends to tell you what to think. Do your own research and make up your own mind. Think for yourself and be the unique individual you were meant to be. Stand out from the pack! Creative thinking and hard work are the tools that will lead you to success in the next four years and beyond. You can do it!

Great Author Visit from Rita Williams-Garcia

2010-04-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ms. Rita Williams-Garcia! The author visit yesterday was fantastic and somehow even better than last year. It was extra special because it was her birthday. We enjoyed learning about Rita's life and her stories. Her animated personality and interesting book topics were both entertaining and educational.

You should definitely check out her books for children and young adults, such as:

Like Sisters on the Homefront, Every time a Rainbow Dies, No Laughter Here, One Crazy Summer, and Fast Talk on a Slow Track. All great!

Love your library

2010-03-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

If the Internet was broken for a long period of time, where would you turn for information? Probably the library. What if there were no library to turn to? Then what?

As National School Library Month approaches, think about what it means to have a library. Libraries are special places for finding great stories and useful information. These are just a few titles that speak to the power of libraries in our world.

Upcoming library events

2010-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

The I.S. 68 Library will be hosting Rita Williams-Garcia, acclaimed author of childrens and young adult books on April 13th.

The Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) Scholastic Book Fair will be April 12 - April 16th. Stay tuned for the date and time of our book fair Family Night!

April is National Library Month. Sadly, libraries are losing funding, which means less open hours, fewer staff, fewer programs and sometimes closing altogether. Show some love for the school and public libraries in your life. Comment on this post with a message about why you love your library. More importantly, when you have the chance, vote to keep libraries properly funded.

Library Update

2010-03-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

March is here and that means exit projects should be underway. The library has resources for your research project in print and online, so make an appointment with your teacher to visit the library and find the information you need. I am here to show you where to find online articles and encyclopedias if you can't find a book on your topic.

March is also Women's History Month. We have many biographies on extraordinary women in history and in modern times. Look for a new bulletin board highlighting women near the library this week.

Last, but not least, it is time to start saving your allowance for the Buy One, Get One Free Scholastic Book Fair. The book fair will be from April 12 - April 16. It's a great bargain, the profits go to purchase more books for the library and you can use the books to get a jump on your summer reading.

Black History Month Celebration Today

2010-02-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

In honor of our celebration of Black History Month, I would like to suggest some great fiction and nonfiction titles in our library that highlight African-American people, culture and history.

It is said that history repeats itself, but we are only doomed to relive our past if we fail to learn from it. The past is not a map to where you are going, it's a record of where you have been. Its purpose is not to drag you back through emotional muck, but to serve you best by reminding you of lessons learned so you can avoid them in the future.
~from React or Respond by Kimberly and Tom Goodwin

Discover African American heritage through the many resources available to you in your school library. We have databases and online encyclopedias, graphic novels, poetry, historial fiction, biographies and history books full of primary documents - all at your fingertips.

Here a few great places to start:

* Online Encyclopedia: Britannica Online/School Edition (see me for password)
* Website: www.blackpast.org
* Poetry book: A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson
* History: Without Regard to Race - The Integration of the U.S. Military After World War II by Hedda Garza
* Historical fiction: Nzingha, Warriar Queen of Matamba by Patricia McKissack
* Biography (historical): Two Tickets to Freedom, the True Story of Ellen and William Craft, Fugitive Slaves by Florence Freedman
* Biography (modern): Barack Obama, A Biography by Joann F. Price
* Graphic Novel: Satchel Paige, Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturm

District Spelling Bee today!

2010-01-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Bildersee! Today, three Bildersee students will be competing in the distric spelling bee at Andries Hudde school. Please wish the best of luck to Sharee Campbell and Briana Merilus of class 261 and Ernica Sanon of class 281.

Celebration

2010-01-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

I have taken it upon myself to attend a conference in Boston, MA this month. I hope to learn great new ways to make our Bildersee library program better and stronger.

Even more exciting is the news that I won a scholarship to the American Libraries Association Annual Conference in June. I am very excited because I have never been to our nation's capital or attended the ALA Conference. It is the biggest conference available for librarians nationwide. Yay!

Conference Services| Midwinter |

2010-01-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Conference Services| Midwinter |

Winter/Holiday Books

2009-12-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some books you could check out from the Bildersee library to get in the mood of the season:

* Christmas Around the World by Mary Lankford
* Las Posadas: A Hispanic Christmas Celebration by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
* The Hanukkah Book by Marilyn Burns
* Kwanzaa! Africa Lives in a New World Celebration
* The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson
* Yetti, The Abominable Snowman by Laura Anne Gilman
* Onward, A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson by Dolores Johnson

FYI - For Your Information

2009-11-30T10:51:00.001-08:00

Here is a bit a I.S. 68 Library trivia for you. Our electronic catalog keeps track of how many times a book is checked out and gives a daily list of the top 10 most checked out books. As of today, the top ten most popular (most regularly borrowed) books in our library are:

1. Re-Gifters by Mike Carey (graphic novel)
2. Chiggers by Hope Larson (graphic novel)
3. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (fiction)
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling(fiction)
5. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (fiction)
6. Baby Mouse, Rock Star by Jennifer Holm (graphic novel)
7. The Elsewhere Chronicles, Book 1, The Shadow Door by Nykko (graphic novel)
8. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (fiction)
9. The Babysitter's Club #4, by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
10. Baby Mouse, Skater Girl by Jennifer Holm (graphic novel)

New Yorkers Read Campaign

2009-11-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

Be a Reading Ambassador for the New Yorkers Read Campaign!

This campaign is presented by Macy's and the NYC Department of Education's Office of Library Services. You will learn more about it from your teachers later. If you become an ambassador, you will have the opportunity to win prizes and be recognized in the Spring awards ceremony. The criteria for becoming an ambassador are as follows:

1. Read at least 15 books in 5 different categories. (The categories are based on the Dewey Decimal System in the library). Record your books in the Reading Ambassador's Passport to Knowledge.
2. Write a short review for a nonfiction book and a fiction book.
3. Return 5 "I read because..." postcards from family, friends or community members listing what they like to read and why they like it.

The passports and the postcards will be provided for you. Join the campaign, be an ambassador and READ, READ, READ !!!

Book Fair Family Night

2009-10-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Scholastic Book Fair is in full swing now. There are some really great items and the merchandise is going fast. Of course it is always fun to buy new books and school supplies. When you shop at the book fair, you are also supporting your IS 68 school library. The Scholastic book company gets most of the profits, but we get a percentage. If we sell a lot, we get a higher percentage of the total sales. Long story short, it's fun and it helps a good cause.

If you bring a parent or guardian to the Book Fair Family Night on Thursday, October 29th between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., you can enter a raffle to win free book fair items. I will draw a raffle ticket every fifteen minutes and YOU could be a lucky winner of a poster, book or other great book fair prize. ONLY students accompanied by a family member over the age of 18 will be admitted after 4:30 p.m.

Regular library services (lunchtime access, computers, chess, check-out/check-in) will resume on November 2nd. See you at the book fair!!

Spelling Bee Contestants

2009-10-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

The deadline for signing up for the book fair has been reached. There are 30 students who will compete on November 20th. Spelling Bee contestants should come to the library on October 14th during advisory to get all the information about the bee and some helpful study resources.

Spelling Bee and Book Fair

2009-09-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sign up with me ASAP (as soon as possible) if you are interested in being a contestant in the Bildersee school-wide spelling bee. It's fun, you could win a trophy, and of course bragging rights!

Also, mark your calendar for the book fair in October. The book fair will be held in the library from October 23 - October 30th. So, save your money for some great books and other fun stuff next month.

Welcome Back!

2009-09-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to see your familiar faces again. It is great to see all of the new faces at Bildersee too. I certainly hope that you all took advantage of your local public library's Summer Reading Program in July and August.

We are going to have a wonderful year in the I.S. 68 Library. Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming book fair (in the last week of October) and the schoolwide Spelling Bee.

Sign up with your homeroom teacher to make a lunchtime visit to the library. We have lots to offer in both fiction and nonfiction sections. If you want to check out some of our online resources, make sure to visit the library page to view the online catalog and the many websites and databases available. Just copy this URL and paste it into your browser to go there now: http://library.nycenet.edu/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do?l2m=Home&tm=Home

See you soon!

Your friendly Bildersee librarian,
Mrs. Kinast

Updated library page and message to graduates

2009-06-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Go to http://library.nycenet.edu/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do?l2m=Home&tm=Home to see all of the new links posted on the library homepage. The 'other libraries' and 'for young adults' links will be especially helpful and fun over the summer months.

Also, I want to say congratulations to the graduating class of 2009. I have so enjoyed seeing your faces in the library over the years and watching you mature into young adults full of creative ideas and big dreams for the future. I'm very proud of you and I wish you all the best as you move on to the next chapter of your lives. Of course, I must leave you with a thought on the importance of reading good books in order to achieve your goals. Here is a quote by Mark Twain:

"The man [or woman] who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."

Ultimately, you are your own best teacher. What you choose to put into your brain will determine the course of your life.

Choose only the best for yourself because you are worth it!

P.S. There are still lots of library books that need to be returned. So, please bring back your books ASAP to the library. Thanks! And, you are always welcome in my library. Feel free to visit anytime or send me an e-mail. I'd love to hear how you are doing.

2009-06-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Look what students made!
One of my book clubs made this book trailer. We read the book together and we had some great discussions. Then, they decided to make a commercial, or trailer for the book. It is similar to a movie trailer or a video clip you might see on Reading Rainbow. Very cool! I am extremely proud of their work and I hope you enjoy the trailer.The students who created this trailer came from class 271.
Their names are:
Jacqueline AlexanderAltius KeithMofoluso AlliSteven VerdieuYvenalie GardereStephane FrancoisClarence Pluvious

Thank you and keep them coming back!

2009-06-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

I just want to say thank you to those students who have returned or paid for their overdue library books. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

I have received about 80 books since I put out the word to return books. However, there are still 480 library books that are overdue or lost.

So, to those of you who have not returned your overdue books, please bring them back to the school library (room 232) as soon as possible. Or, pay to replace a lost book. Otherwise, there will be a hold on your report card.

Now it's www.mrskinast.blogspot.com

2009-05-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have changed my blog URL to match my new name. Sorry for any confusion but the new web address is www.mrskinast.blogspot.com. Check the blog often and send me comments. I love to hear your input!

Another great day in the IS 68 Library Media Center!

2009-05-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

The author visit from Ms. Rita Williams-Garcia was really spectacular. The author was very impressed by the number and the quality of questions asked by our students. (Thank you to all of the teachers who prepared their students for this visit and had them come ready with questions!) She loved the library media center and the welcoming atmosphere of our school. However, she was most impressed with our students and their ability to think creatively and ask thought-provoking questions. This event would not have been possible without the following people:

Mrs. T. Hall - She did much of the planning for the visit and prepared her students for the sessions and the focus group.
Ms. Rita Woods - She is Mrs. T. Hall's professor. She and her sorority donated books to students and made the visit possible by requesting it on our behalf.
Ms. Abdullah - She helped with planning and funding the event catering and thank you gifts. And, she helped with scheduling the classes, along with Ms. Luke.

Next year, we hope to bring back Ms. Williams-Garcia as well as other authors to share with our students about writing, publishing and thinking creatively.

FANTASTIC visiting author - Rita Williams-Garcia

2009-05-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

It is wonderful to see how the students at Bildersee have embraced the library program. I see many students who love to read. Each student has a favorite type of reading (historical fiction, sci-fi, how-to books, self-help, etc.) Regardless of their favorite genre, Bildersee students will soon have the opportunity to meet and talk with a celebrated author of young adult novels right here at school.

I have exciting news for the Bildersee community. Rita Williams-Garcia will be in the library next Wednesday, May 20th to share her life story and her works of teen literature. Some of her published titles include Like Sisters on the Homefront, Jumped, No Laughter Here, Blue Tights, and Every Time a Rainbow Dies. Her novels are real page-turners, full of realism, humor and hope. Ms. Williams-Garcia is a true New Yorker who grew up in Queens, so Bildersee students can relate to the settings, characters and situations in most of her stories. Parents are welcome to come and sit in on her presentations. She will be presenting in the morning and the afternoon.

Come and help us celebrate RITA WILLIAMS-GARCIA DAY at Bildersee - May 20th, 2009.

FRIDAY is the last day to shop at the book fair

2009-05-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

The book fair is closed today for a special event. However, it will re-open for one last day of shopping on Friday (tomorrow). This will be your last chance this year to take advantage of the great buy one - get one FREE sale at Bildersee. All book fair items will be packed up and returned by Monday.

The BOGO Book Fair and Haitian Creole Spelling Bee

2009-04-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

BOOK FAIR NEWS -

Hey everybody! The Buy One, Get One Free Scholastic Bookfair will start this Friday in the afternoon and will go on through next week. Make sure to save your money over the weekend because you will find some great bargains on fantastic books. All books will be buy one, get one free. Toys, posters, and school supplies will be full price. The last day of the book fair is May 8th. After that, all the merchandise will be returned to the Scholastic Book Company. The book fair will be open all periods except 7th period each day.

Parents are welcome during school hours and/or during the after school hours on Tuesday, May 5th. The family event will last from 3 until 6 p.m. on Tuesday and all students must be accompanied by a family member over the age of 18 to enter. During the family event, there will be a drawing for prizes.

See you at the Book Fair!

Haitian Creole Spelling Bee tomorrow night -

Please come and support our Haitian-American students as they compete in the Second Annual Haitian Creole Spelling Bee at Bildersee tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. This is the preliminary bee where the finalist will be chosen to go on to the next round of competition at the borough level. Last year, Bildersee took first and second for all of Brooklyn! We are the team to beat. The event will last until about 7:30 depending on how the competition unfolds. Location - Bildersee auditorium.

Visit to Paerdegat Library

2009-03-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

I must take a moment to say how proud I was of each young scholar who made a visit to the Paerdegat Library branch last Friday. We met a great young author and the students from Bildersee had fantastic questions for her. Several students walked away with nice raffle prizes too. The young adult services librarian at Paerdegat was also very impressed with the thoughtful questions developed by our students ( you know who you are!). Ighope we have the opportunity to do this kind of trip again soon.

Remember, Paerdegat library has tons of programs for yound adults, including movies, gaming tournaments, author visits, crafts, journalism workshops and more. And, they almost always give you a reward just for attending! That is hard to beat. Public library events are fun and a great way to avoid watching reruns on TV.

If you want to know more, I can show you their website and the calendar of events. Just come by the IS 68 library for more information.

Do you love nonfiction?

2009-03-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Not everyone likes to read fiction. Some people want to read about real things from the past and in the here and now. If you like to read nonfiction and you would like to join a book club in the library, let me know. The nonfiction bookclub will be reading biographies, memoirs, how-to books, information books and history. All of the books have been chosen to appeal to young adults like you. It will NOT be like reading from your textbook. It will be interesting and fun!

Just come by the library and I will put you on the list of interested readers.

Library Closed Thursday and other library news...

2009-03-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

I will be at a meeting for the Library Advisory Committee in Manhattan this Thursday. The library will be closed for the day.

In yearbook news - I am still in need of yearbook submissions. I would especially love to get writing samples from students in the form of essays, poetry, short stories and or editorial/opinion pieces. If you are a student with creative writing talent, please share your gift with the Bildersee yearbook! If you are a teacher in possession of student work that is yearbook-worthy, please send it my way.

Also, please keep in mind that Academy II is looking for Career Day presenters. If you know of someone who might be willing to share information about their career, I would love to get their information. Come by the library for an invitation to deliver to your prospective guest.

Finally, don't forget that the Haitian Creole Spelling Bee is coming soon. If you can spell in Haitian-Creole, please come by the library to sign up for participation.

New resources on the library homepage for you...

2009-03-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest editions to the homepage under Tools for Research.

We now have the following databases available:

Annals of American History Online
Britannica Online - School Edition
Global Reference Center
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Online
World Data Analyst Online

Just go to the IS 68 Library Catalog & Homepage link on this page. Then, on the homepage, scroll down to the Tools for Research section. Click on the new links and explore. If you want to try this from home, come to me to get the username and password.

See you in the library!

-- Miss Overstreet-Kinast

Yearbook Submissions are needed

2009-03-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

DEADLINE COMING SOON

This year, I have the duty of organizing and designing the I.S. 68 yearbook. The deadline for all submissions is March 25, 2009 because the entire book must be complete by the end of the month.

If you are involved with a club or organization, please send me some information and photos so that I can highlight your group. Any great pictures of special events or random photos of Bildersee students (high resolution are best) would be greatly appreciated.

Please put a note in my box or come by the library if you have yearbook submissions. I will find a way to get the information through e-mail or my thumb-drive.

Thanks for helping me make the 2008-2009 yearbook complete!

- Your Bildersee Librarian

The Library Schedule is now online

2009-02-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Dear colleagues,

Anyone who is interested in:

1. Meeting with me to plan a lesson or unit
2. Bringing a class for instruction
3. Using the SmartBoard for a workshop
4. Sending groups of students to do research
5. Using the library for any other purpose

may look at the calendar at the bottom of my blog for a weekly line-up of what has been scheduled and which periods are still available. You may also click on the the calendar link for a different view of the schedule. Please remember that lunch periods are reserved for individual students from each academy to visit the library for check outs or research (with a pass from their teacher) of course.

I hope this online calendar is helpful to you when planning your visits to the library.

Have a great day!

Book Club Shout Out

2009-01-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

To all members of my book clubs:

You rock! I am having such a great time talking about books with you and hearing your input.

Your comments about each of these books have brought elements of the story out for other club members and created lively discussions. Many of you are making connections between these books and other books or movies. Some of you are drawing on your own life experiences to understand what you are reading and comparing scenarios and characters to real events and people you know. Everyone is learning more about themselves and their fellow students, as well as improving their reading skills, which is the ultimate goal afterall.

So far, I have had the opportunity to read the following books with my clubs -

The Westing Game
All of The Above
The Music of Dolphins
Wanted
Jiggy
Tears of a Tiger

And, that's just the beginning. We will continue reading more books as the year goes along. I plan to add another book club devoted to non-fiction in March. So, let me know if you are a big fan of non-fiction books and I will add you to my list.

Keep up the great work book-clubbers!

- Ms. Overstreet - Kinast (OK)

2009 Library Rituals and Routines

2009-01-06T11:24:00.001-08:00

In the new year, all students who visit the library will be asked to sign-in unless they come with their entire class and their teacher. The sign-in sheet fields for you to fill in will be your class, your name, the date, the period, and your purpose for visiting the library. This is so that I can keep more detailed records of library traffic.

Also, please be reminded that in 2009, students that visit the library will no longer be aloud to come in groups at lunch time. Only two students, per class, per day will be allowed in at lunch. Do not ask for a pass for three or more from your teacher. Groups of three or more will be turned away and sent down to the cafeteria. Additionally, when the library has reached capacity (30 students), no more students will be allowed to enter.

These rules are a necessity because of the need to maintain a quiet reading and study space in our library media center. Rowdy behavior, inappropriate behavior and loud talking are not acceptable in a library environment. Please do not take it personally. Ms. Bryan and I enjoy seeing you and love that you want to visit the library. However, we just don't have the resources to manage the space without sticter enforcement of rituals and routines.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Your friendly librarian,

Ms. O

p.s. Obama books will be here soon!

Celebrating Teachers

2009-01-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to lots of great things in 2009, like continuing to collaborate with teachers at Bildersee. During the first half of this school year, I was pleased to see the way some teachers decided to utilize the school library.

Ms. Brickey knew that many students would have trouble visiting a physical library over the break, but she wanted them to find information for the books they were creating. So, she planned some instructional sessions and research time in the Bildersee library prior to the break. Many ELA teachers followed suit and scheduled classes in the library to prepare for the nonfiction book project due in January. The students learned about using the online databases available through the library homepage, finding books in the library, and how to cite sources.

Mr. Surpris has begun to put collections of books on reserve for his students in the library. The most recent set of reserve books were both fiction and nonfiction titles related to the field of Geology. As the area of study changes for his classes, I will gather related books and reserve them for his students. The idea is for students to check them out as supplemental reading and write reports or reading logs.

Ms. Sadowski and I planned a winter holiday celebration in the library for a group of Academy 1 students who have shown interest in the library, love to read, and have been responsible students. We read together and decorated cookies while listening to holiday tunes. Good times!

Kudos to all of the teachers who understand that utilizing the school library media center promotes both information literacy skills and reading proficiency - two things that help students grow into productive and successful citizens. I look forward to more collaborative planning with great Bildersee teachers in 2009. This is sure to happen soon with 8th grade exit project due dates coming up this Spring.

Happy New Year everyone!

Welcome Parents

2008-12-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

Parents visiting the Middle School Fair,

Please feel free to ask questions and explore the library media center. We have a wide variety of great resources for our students and parents.

- Ms. O

New Moon has been found!

2008-12-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

I am happy to say that the book New Moon has been located. All is right in library land once again. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Spelling Champs!

2008-11-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

So, here is the breakdown from the Spelling Bee competition that was held in the library last Friday. It was very exciting.

School-wide champion = Joshua Balan (class 371)
1st runner-up = Jessica Auguste (class 382)
2nd runner-up = Ericka Francois (class 162)

All three of these winners will be going on to represent Bildersee at the next level of competition which will take place at A. Hudde Intermediate School on Nostrand Avenue, January 28th at 4 p.m.

Remember to congratulate them and wish them good luck if you see them in class or in the hallway. I know they will make our school proud.

New Books in the Library!!

2008-11-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

You have got to see the great new books that have just arrived in the library. 340 new books were added to the collection and are available on the shelves as of today. The I.S. 68 Library now has the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer, The Clique Series by Lisi Harrison, new graphic novels, new non-fiction, new cookbooks and so much more! Come by and check out these new and wonderful books ASAP. Don't forget to get a library pass from your teacher first.

Thank you and congratulations

2008-11-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE TEACHERS WHO SUPPLIED THE NAMES OF THEIR TOP SPELLERS FOR THE SCHOOL-WIDE SPELLING BEE COMPETITION. Unfortunately, only twenty-five students could be chosen. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE CONTESTANTS WHO WILL BE PART OF THE SPELLING BEE ON NOVEMBER 21st at 2:30.

CHECK OUT WHAT OBAMA SAYS ABOUT LIBRARIES

2008-11-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

When Barack Obama was just beginning his road to the presidency, he was the keynote speaker at the American Library Association Conference in Chicago. The ALA magazine adapted his speech into an article. The speech drew an enormous crowd and garnered a standing ovation.

Here are my three favorite quotes from that article:

1. "But before our children can even walk into an interview for one of these jobs, before they can even fill out an application or earn the required college degree, they have to be able to pick up a book and read it and understand it. Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible, from complex word problems and the meaning of our history to scientific discovery and technological proficiency. And by the way, it's what's required to make us true citizens."

2. "It's a hope that's old as the American story itself. From the moment the first immigrants arrived on these shores, generations of parents worked hard and sacrificed whatever was necessary so that their children could not just have the same chances they had, but could have the chances they never had. Because while we can never assure that our children will be rich or successful, while we can never be positive that they will do better than their parents, America is about making it possible to give them the chance, to give every child the ability to try. Education is the foundation of this opportunity. The most basic building block that holds that foundation together is the Word. "In the beginning was the Word."

3. "What some people may not remember is that for years, librarians have been on the frontlines of this fight for our privacy and our freedom. There have always been dark times in our history where America has strayed from our best ideas. The question has always been: Who will be there to stand up against those forces? One of the groups that has consistently stood up has been librarians."

CITATION: American Libraries(CB). American Libraries (Volume 36, Issue 7, August 2005).

Library Update - October 2008

2008-10-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

1.

The book fair is over and the final profit was $1404.00. That translates into $530 of Scholastic books or merchandise for our school library. Not bad. Not as good as last year, but not bad. Maybe the Spring will bring in more fundraising dollars to support our school library. Anyway - a good time was had by all and I saw some wonderful books being purchased by Bildersee students. I found some great reads too. Thanks to everyone who helped by purchasing items, helping run the fair or taking it down and boxing it up.

2.

We are looking for the best of the best in spelling to enter our school-wide spelling bee. The top speller from each class will be eligible to compete for the title of Spelling Bee Champion and the opportunity to go on to the next level of competition for Brooklyn schools. Eventually, after all of the levels of competition (district, borough, city, state), there will be one student left standing as the best speller in America at the National Spelling Bee. Could it be you? Who knows? But you have to win here at Bildersee first.

The Fall book order has been sent in to the book vendor, but they have not yet arrived. Give them a few more weeks for delivery. As soon as they arrive (about 300 new books for our library), I will put a note of their arrival on this blog. So, keep checking my blog to see when the new books arrive.

Have a great day Bildersee. Happy Reading!

The Book Fair is Here!

2008-10-18T12:41:00.001-07:00

Wow! I've never seen such a great variety of books! Do you like High School Musical? Are you into cookbooks? How about sports cars? Anime, graphic novels, romance, realistic/teen drama, sci-fi, historical fiction, series, sports, adventure, YOU NAME IT. It is at the book fair. You have to see for yourself. Shop for yourself or for someone you love. It is for a great cause - supporting your school library and promoting increased literacy at Bildersee.

See you at the book fair!

The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming Soon!

2008-10-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

This month in fact. The books are set to arrive at Bildersee on October 16th. So, look for flyers and posters advertising the exact dates and times of the book fair. And, save your dollars for book fair shopping. It is tons of fun and the money raised will help buy books for our school library. See you at the book fair!

New Books for the Library

2008-09-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

This message is for students, parents and teachers. The library book budget is ready to be spent and I am working on completing my order. If you have any suggestions for library materials, please let me know so I can add them to my list of items to be purchased. Some students have already suggested titles they would like to see in the Bildersee library. Thanks for the input and keep it coming!

Come by the library - room 232!

2008-09-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome back students and teachers!

Library orientations are starting soon. Students can also visit the library during their lunch period - with a pass from a teacher, of course - to get a preview of the library and what it has to offer. We have begun checking out books and the checkout period is two weeks for all students. So, come and get an independent reading book as soon as possible. Teachers can schedule appointments for classes when ready.

We have some great ideas for literacy events this year so stay tuned for more details.

See you in the library!

- Ms. Overstreet (librarian)
and
Ms. Bryan (library aide)

Return your IS 68 library books ASAP

2008-06-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Help our awesome library maintain its greatness. The library is still missing hundreds of books from the collection.

Don't worry - I won't charge you late fees when you return the books. Just bring back your overdue books and your fines will be erased.

You will also get a free pencil and my undying gratitude. See you soon!

Your friendly librarian,

Ms. Overstreet

Summer Reading!

2008-06-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sign up for Summer Reading at your local public library or just go to www.summerreading.org to sign up and get started. You can receive fun incentives and prizes for signing up and get involved in lots of great activities for the summer. The public library offers free classes for teens, game nights and free movies! Take advantage of this great opportunity to maintain your reading skills and have fun.