Your School Library...
An Ankeny Elementary Library e-Newsletter for Families
Imagine. Discover. Connect. Inspire.
In this issue...
Literary Calendar
- Spotlight on Multicultural Children's Book Day
Book Talk: Diversity
- Let's talk about: Diversity in our Library Collection, Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors
- Book Suggestions: Celebrating our Differences in Children's Literature!
Library Q and A
- Mission Statement, Diversity, Board Policy, Library Bill of Rights, accessing student library accounts, and more
Literary Calendar
January 2 - National Science Fiction Day
January 18 - Winnie the Pooh Day (A.A. Milne's birthday)
Special Spotlight:
January 31 - Multicultural Children's Book Day
- Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
- Multicultural Children’s Book Day‘s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents, and educators.
Book Talk: Diversity
Let's talk about...Diversity in our Library Collection
Book Suggestions: Celebrating our Differences in Children's Literature!
(Sarah Weeks is visiting in April!)
Library Q and A
Q: What is the mission of our school library program?
A: Students will be responsible citizens who are skilled users of information, demonstrate digital wellness, and develop an appreciation of literature.
Q: What is the school library doing to support diversity in our community?
A: Our libraries follow the Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights which includes, "A full commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion requires that library collections and programming reflect the broad range of viewpoints and cultures that exist in our world. Socially excluded, marginalized, and underrepresented people, not just the mainstream majority, should be able to see themselves reflected in the resources and programs that libraries offer."
Q: Do any of the school library books contain ""inappropriate words" or cover "tough topics" which may require discussion?
A: As a public school library preparing children for the world, we provide access to a lot of literature on a variety of topics geared toward meeting the needs and interests of our elementary students. We cannot control word choices of an author, and we cannot decide what is or is not deemed an appropriate word in an individual family's setting. We encourage you to have book discussions and perhaps even read books together. If you are reading a book containing themes new to your family or containing a word you view as offensive, you can explain why you agree or disagree with it. You can use books as tools to teach the lessons you feel are important for your family. You can learn about your child's insights, and you might be surprised!
Q: How do I know which books are available in my child's library?
A: Our entire Destiny Library Catalog is online and available to you from anywhere with Internet Access. Go to your school website and click on "Media Center" and then "Library Catalog." You and/or your child can see what items they currently have checked out by logging in to Destiny. Don't know your login? Contact your school's library staff.
Q: What if I want to make a book suggestion to my child's school?
A: Book suggestions can be given by filling out this Ankeny Family Book Suggestion Form
Q: What is our School District's Policy on Library Materials?
A: 605.03 Library Materials states, "The Ankeny Community School District subscribes in full to the principles, philosophy, and goals set forth in the Library Bill of Rights (ALA), Freedom to Read Statement, and interpretative statements adopted thereto."
Q: What is the Library Bill of Rights?
A: Article V of the Library Bill of Rights, which governs the ethics of professional librarianship, says, “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” In 1972, the American Library Association adopted its interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights entitled “Free Access to Libraries for Minors” (now entitled “Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors”), which says, “Library policies and procedures that effectively deny minors equal and equitable access to all library resources and services available to other users violate the American Library Association’s ‘Library Bill of Rights.’
Q: What is intellectual Freedom?
A: "Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored." For more information, go to ALA's Intellectucal Freedom and Censorship Q & A
Q: What is the Freedom to Read?
Let Us Know How We Can Help
Contact your District-Level Digital Teacher Librarian, Corissa Thompson
or
Contact your Digital Learning Teacher (DLT/Librarian/Media Teacher) for your building.or
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