Burbank Library News
January 2017
New (Used) Books
Just before the break started, I got a notice from our district library coordinator that the library at Navarro was going to be packed up and that if we wanted any books, we could come that day and get them. I made hasty plans to get over there and came back with about 9 boxes of books. Almost all of the books are new to our library - meaning we didn't already have a copy of the titles. I did get a few duplicates of some of the popular books as well. All of the books are now on display and ready for checkout in the library.
Scrabble in the Library
The Burbank Library received a grant from the SAISD foundation for Scrabble equipment and dictionaries. There are a few active players that come at lunch but there will be a drive for more players after semester tests. Teachers and staff are welcome to come play as well. Scrabble is a great way for students to improve vocabulary, spelling, and strategic thinking skills. On Saturday, March 4, Burbank will be hosting the Texas State School Scrabble Championship with students in grades 4-8 competing from across the state.
EasyBib District License
We now have a district license for Easy Bib which is a great tool for source citations and research collection. All students and staff can create an EDU account with EasyBib which provides access to numerous citation options and research organization. See the librarian for Burbank's coupon code to create your account. If you already have an account, you can upgrade it with the coupon as well. If you would like students in your class to sign up for Easy Bib accounts feel free to request a time in the library lab to do so. See the video below for an overview of EasyBib.
Create Your Own Online Flyers
These library newsletters have been created with a simple online program called Smore. You can create your own flyers or newsletters with a free account. You are limited in the number of flyers created and in background images with a free account, but it costs nothing to try it out! Educator accounts usually run about $59 a year but you can usually get a good deal at the beginning of the school year. I'm offering training on using Smore (as well as Screencast-o-matic and Google forms) after school on Thursday, January 19.
Overview of EasyBib
A Brief Introduction to EasyBib.com
SAISD Innovation Grant Still Open
Do you have an idea for your classroom but need funding to develop it? You can apply for an SAISD foundation innovation grant for up to $5000. In order to you apply, you must attend one of the remaining workshop sessions. The next session is on Wednesday, January 11 from 5 to 7 at Travis Early College HS. It includes a dinner but you need to RSVP to jtwiss@saisdfoundation.com. The last session will be held on Tuesday, February 7th and the deadline to turn in your application will be Tuesday, February 28. Grants will be awarded starting in May for the next school year. Having been awarded several foundation grants in the past, I'm happy to help you with the process.
Book Review - Randoms
I got a copy of this book at a library meeting where San Antonio author David Liss was interviewed during one of the sessions. The author noted that his love for classic SciFi (Star Trek and Star Wars) made this one of his favorite books to write. The story follows Zeke Reynolds who is chosen as one of four teens from Earth to spend a year on space station in hopes that their planet will be chosen to be part of the Confederation of United Planets. He discovers that he is the fourth wheel among his peers because he was chosen at random - rather than because of his skills. He soon makes friends with the randoms from other planets and as they show that their own unique skills have value as well. They team up for a daring mission as they learn they might have not been as random as they thought.
I really enjoyed this book as it was fun and had several familiar SciFi references. You can't help but root for Zeke as the underdog - even when he makes poor decisions (as most teens tend to do).
Upcoming Area Events
About the Librarian
Jennifer De Waelsche has been a librarian with SAISD for five years. This is her first year at Burbank High School. She is the recipient of the SAISD Foundation Inspire Award in 2015 and member of the Texas Library Association TALL Texans Class for 2016. She is an active member of San Antonio Librarian's Association, Texas Library Association, and the San Antonio Area School Library Leaders group.
Email: jdewaelsche1@saisd.net
Website: https://saisd002library.pbworks.com/w/page/77781950/FrontPage
Location: 1102 Edwards, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 210-228-1210
Twitter: @salibrarylady