I hope our Zilker community had a wonderful, relaxing and fun Spring Break. And that you found time to read a good book (or two)! I can't believe how quickly my first year here at Zilker is going by...just 10 weeks left. There are lots of fantastic events on the horizon-National Poetry Month celebration in April, author visits for 1st, 2nd and 4th grades and....

a dedication ceremony of the Jackie Kraal Library! You'll find more information below.

Cheers,

Mrs. Sharp

Zilker Librarian

We're always looking for new (and recurring) volunteers for the library! Volunteers are needed especially on Thursdays and Fridays and during every Kindergarten class, but are welcome anytime. To sign up to volunteer, visit the Volunteer Spot calendar at http://vols.pt/5rg2TB. You can also contact Rebecca Sharp, Zilker Librarian, at rebecca.sharp@austinisd.org for more information!

We celebrated World Read Aloud Day all week in the Zilker Library with guest readers, Skype connections with classes around the country and even a visit from a Zilker parent and author/illustrator, Laura Logan! Check out our map in the library hallway of all our celebrations.

We would love to get a MakerSpace up and running in the library and we need your help (and your stuff)! The plan is to kick off a MakerSpace towards the end of the school year for a week in May with sign up opportunities for teachers who are interested in trying it out with their students. Then, there will be MakerSpace weeks in the library each month next year for select grade levels, building from there. It's going to be awesome!

Don't know what a "MakerSpace" is? You'll find lots and lots of videos on YouTube if you search, but this article on Edutopia gives those who want more information lots of insight. Here's a quick overview:

• STEM/STEAM heavy activities (STEM= Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, plus an "A" for Arts)
• Easily incorporated in curriculum/TEKS
• Made up of building, creating, critical thinking and research activities
• A big movement in libraries!
• Can be as simple as a marble run, building with Legos or as complicated as building and programming a robot

How do we need your help?

Donate your old or unused stuff! The library would accept:

• Legos, building blocks, etc.
• Cardboard boxes
• Marble runs or anything of the like
• Plastic Solo cups
• Duct tape
• Glue bottles/sticks
• Pipe cleaners
• GIFT CARD DONATIONS! (Plans to purchase LittleBits sets, Tinker Toys, etc. from Amazon)

Patty Ramirez and Martin Christman