Shopping for books!

One of my favorite things is to shop for new books. Myself and Mrs. Tetoff have sat down and with student suggestions will be purchasing new book for the fall for our shelves. We focused on student interest and listening to what you, the students, would like to see in the library. I had a lot of fun looking up new books and hopefully finding new selections that will be of interest for KCI's students. To give you an idea of what we are purchasing, we are expanding our graphic novel collection, updating series that we already have, purchasing more science fiction for those who like Hunger Games, new Orca books and more.

picture taken from http://mcliterature.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/bone/

picture taken from http://ahgooreview.com/2011/10/orca/

One goal for next year is to put the fiction collection into genres like a book store. I feel this will support students when they are looking for a new book. If our books are grouped by genre students all learn what the genres are and they will know where to find books that interest them! I am really excited to change the way we shelve our books. This year our library started to go through a transition to brighten up the space and make the space more enjoyable. I am hoping that our students have enjoyed the different changes they have seen in the library. The changes are not done but we are well on our way.

Book Talks

Currently the grade 5-7 library classes are creating book talks to promote their favourite book. I have done many book talks through out the year to promote the Willows books, books in different genres and new books in the library. The students were asked to pick a book that they have read this year or in years past to share with their classmates. The project is open to students creativity and how they want to present the book of their choice. Some students are making powerpoints, videos, photostories, live action book trailers. Once the presentations are done students will present to their class.
Throughout the year I really noticed a higher interest in books that were specifically talked about compared to others. Students were hooked on new books and new genres once I presented the books to the students. I am really excited to see what the students come up with!

Hmmm, what to read?

Have you ever been stuck when trying to find the next book to read? Do you have a hard time finding a book that interests you? Do you find it hard to find a book that pulls you into the story? There are a few things that you can do to to find the next book.

                                            

  

1. If you have found an author that you enjoy and they have multiple books try another. I find if I like the author's writing style I like all of their books.
2. Find a genre that you like. Once you have found a genre then this helps narrow done what peaks your interests. Genres are themes found in books. For example:

• Fantasy is for people who like magic, vampires, werewolves etc.
• Science fiction is for people who like aliens, robots, futuristic settings, and post apocalyptic themes
• Realistic fiction is for those who enjoy reading about characters and situations that could actually happen
• Historical fiction is based around major events in history. The characters are fictional but the situations have happened like World War 2.
• Mystery is for those who enjoy a good clue or two with some red herrings. Put yourself in the detectives shoes to try and solve the mystery. 
• Graphic novels. These books can be found in any genre with great story lines and amazing illustrations. 
• Non-fiction books. You may enjoy to read about history, sports, countries, science or biographies/autobiographies. Non-fiction is a great part of any library where you can find all the facts you need!

3. If still you are stuck after trying number 1 and 2 there are different websites that help narrow down the search for you.

• Goodreads has a page that recommends books by genre - http://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/fiction
• Conversation Pieces website is made for students - http://www.conversationpieceslearning.org/books-for-students.html
• Amazon, Indigo and Barnes and Noble all have recommendations on their websites.

4. Ask a friend, teacher, or family member. Sometimes the best recommendations come from people you know. Ask what your friends are reading. More than likely you will like the same type of books.

Have you Read a Good Movie Lately?

Check our the new book display at the KCI library Spartans! All the books that are on display have been adapted into a movie. Did you know that approximately 85% of all movies are based on books? Wow!
Do you think that reading the book is better than watching the movie? I do, books always have so much more detail and it allows you to really immerse yourself in the story.
Some of the books on display are:

• Harry Potter series
• Wizard of Oz
• The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
• Lord of the Rings 
• The Hobbit
• Treasure Island
• 20000 Leagues Under the Sea
• Twilight series
• The Host
• Percy Jackson
• Aquamarine
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
• Tom Sawyer
• Tex

and many more.

Check out a picture of the display.

Art Gallery

The KCI library has seen a few changes and updates to how it looks. This year the teacher resources have been rearranged, the reference section has been weeded and moved completely to the back of the library and the library has a new art gallery! Students work is being displayed from grades 5-12. The new art gallery has helped brighten up the space and is a focal point in the library. Along with the art gallery the first semester senior art students created double sided shelf plaques that display where each section of our collection can be found. Hopefully by the end of the year the library will also have a new 4x8 mural hanging on the wall! It has been so great working with the art students and the art teacher with these projects.

Welcome to Spartans @ The Library Blog

Welcome to KCI library's new blog. My name is Mrs. J. Gareau and I am the teacher-librarian at the school. I am very excited to have this blog up and running. I will be promoting library events, doing book talks etc. here on this blog.