Gaston County School Library News
September 2017
New Hope Dreams Big in 2017
At New Hope, we have big dreams for the upcoming school year, and are encouraging our students to dream with us. Lynn Whiteside began her first year at New Hope with a gift for each member of the faculty and staff. Every person received a copy of Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes written by Susan V. Bosak and illustrated by fifteen renowned artists, including winners of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award. The book speaks to the power of dreams and aspirations from infancy to adulthood. At New Hope, it was read everywhere, from faculty meetings to classrooms, as a motivational tool to begin this school year with hard work and big dreams. Mrs. Whiteside is encouraging New Hope students and faculty to keep dreaming because, as C.S. Lewis wrote, “You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
Submitted By: Kara Grimes
New Hope Elementary School SLMC
The New Book Smell
Submitted By: Kelly Lawniczak
Pleasant Ridge Elementary SLMC
Speed Dating with Books
Submitted By: Audra Pressley
Mt. Holly Middle School SLMC
Shoring up my Resolve to Weed
It would seem counterintuitive to almost anyone other than a librarian to weed books in order to improve the collection. Even understanding that removing books is an ongoing part of a good collection development plan still does not make it an easy task.
First, it can be tedious and time consuming, and since time is a commodity we already have too little of, something always seems to take precedence. Second, library stakeholders’ reactions to us getting rid of a “perfectly good book” can be intimidating. If someone asks, it is simple to explain the reason for the book being removed from the shelf, but when the question goes unasked, the conclusion is often that we are being wasteful and poor stewards of our resources. Third, it is often difficult for us as book lovers and guardians of our collection to part with any of our carefully reviewed and chosen selections.
However, despite all of these things, this year I am making the time to begin weeding in hopes of improving circulation. Discarding books that pack the shelves and make browsing nearly impossible will make room for new titles and will make viewing and accessing books easier. Experience has taught me that many times books that have not circulated in years are rediscovered by students when made available by teachers in their classroom libraries.Freeing shelf space offers display options similar to popular bookstores. Perhaps one of the most important reasons to weed is to eliminate the perception that we have enough books, whatever that means. North Carolina of course has a recommended number of books per student, but advocating for funds to purchase new books and replace tattered or outdated ones has more impact if our shelves visually and statistically reinforce our requests.So wish me luck on this journey. Any suggestions or words of encouragement would be welcomed.
Submitted By: Alyssa Dodd
Hunter Huss High School SLMC
Brookside Library Makeover
The Brookside Media Center is looking a lot different these days. The PTO chose a library makeover as its fundraising focus. Through a barbecue and a fun run, our school raised over $18,000!!!
The library was able to get new kid friendly furniture, create a lego wall, paint a green screen, make our circulation desk into a student book recommendation hub with chalkboard paint, and of course, purchase new library books! At orientation, the students and their families were able to see it for the first time. The looks of awe and amazement were wonderful!
Submitted By: Catelyn Franklin
Brookside Elementary School SLMC
A New Year at Bess
W.A. Bess is kicking off the new year with some fresh displays. Students were treated to a genre bulletin board and a display of some of the newest books in the library. They also enjoyed a quick reminder of how to locate materials with the "Love Your Library" slideshow.
Submitted By: Julie Shatterly
W.A. Bess Elementary SLMC
Back To School Displays Around GCS
Growing My Professional Network
Bessemer City Central SLMC
Southwest Middle School Students Love the Renovated Library
Southwest Middle School SLMC