In Libris Libertas
Quarterly news from PRMS Library
Volume 2, Issue 1
Welcome to the library's newsletter. I share news at the end of each nine weeks. As always, let me know if you have suggestions!
What's new?
Hybrid instruction
Our teaching model has been a challenge this year, so I can tailor library instruction to whatever works best for you and your students. When classes have been visiting the library, we livestream instruction to the students at home using teachers' usual Google Meet links. I'm also happy to virtually instruct your classes in other ways. For example, I can attend your Google Meet from the library while students stay in your room if we don't need print resources in the library, or I can record Screencastify tutorials that you can add to your Google Classroom or website. Please reach out to me to brainstorm -- each collaboration has been unique!
Curbside pickup
For our 100% virtual students, the library is providing curbside pickup of physical items. Click here for more information. We also have tons of eBooks and audiobooks available to all staff and students. Feel free to share this information with families, and let me know how I can help provide materials for specific situations as they arise.
Library Happenings
Reading classes
Although the library is operating a bit differently this year, reading classes have received instruction both in-person and virtually. Library orientation was delivered in a hybrid model. Students completed a BreakoutEDU challenge to become more familiar with eBooks and audiobooks on MackinVIA. And classes visited the week leading up to Halloween to hear spooky readalouds and get scary book recommendations for independent reading.
National History Day
8th grade compact / extended history classes started their National History Day projects, using the library's print and digital resources and NoodleTools to collaboratively track their research and annotated bibliographies.
Lois Lowry
PRMS was chosen to participate in a live visit with Lois Lowry, two-time winner of the Newbery award and author of popular books such as "The Giver" and "Number the Stars." Read more about the visit here.
Have you seen ...
Headspace
I sent an email about this resource earlier this year. Educators can sign up for a free account to access guided meditations and other mindfulness resources. I use the app for my own sanity, but I've also used it with students during activity period as a way to center ourselves amid the challenges this year has brought.
Pixabay
High-quality, royalty-free images. I get images for my newsletter here. No login required!
Tips, Tricks & Advice
Most popular books this nine weeks
This quarter was an Alan Gratz sweep for the Top 3! His historical fiction is wildly popular with our students. The books below are all based on different perspectives during WWII. His next book, Ground Zero, is a highly anticipated release centered on the events and effects of 9/11.
Want recommendations? Follow me on Goodreads to see what I've been reading lately.
Newsletter Archive
Looking for past issues? Find them on the library website.
Kristen Rowe, librarian
Our library program is most effective when we work together. My library standards are aligned with your PA Core standards to encourage maximum collaboration. I would love to plan and teach lessons with you involving research, literacy, and technology. E-mail me or stop by if you'd like to discuss ideas.
Email: krowe@pinerichland.org
Website: www.pinerichland.org/MSLibrary
Phone: 2241
Twitter: @kdhuthrowe