Mom Knows Best!

Did you know that our library's collection management system, Follett Destiny Quest, allows parents to make important decisions on their child's book selection?  Perhaps you have a great young reader but he or she tends to select books a bit too "scary" or too mature in content?  Or, your child repeatedly selects books he can't read, and you are frustrated when he returns from the library.  Just let our librarian know, and a message can be displayed that only the librarian sees when your child goes to check out books. You can always reach the librarian via phone or email.   This way, we can be sure to remain sensitive to the needs and selection criteria for your family.  Because, a mom always knows what is best for her child! 

ALA Position Statement on the Value of Independent Reading in the School Library Program

There are so many things that can influence, good or bad, a child's reading development.  Having access to quality materials is one.  A library needs to stay up-to-date in its selection of quality, new, and award-winning materials at varying reading and interest levels.  At our library, we like to teach our young readers to narrow searches down by "interest level" instead of by "reading level."  It is exciting when a young child can read at or above grade-level!  However, not all fiction written for a particular grade/reading level is appropriate for the young reader.  Thus, we are excited to show them how to narrow their search results using Follett's Destiny Quest. 
Other important parts of the reading equation include the modeling of good reading habits at home, spending time with your child reading together, and the opportunity to spend independent time reading books that interest them, and are not necessarily required of them!  We foster independent reading opportunities in our library by an open-door/class pass policy.  Teachers can send a child in anytime during the school day to read and select materials.  We also offer Kindles in our collection for in-house, independent reading opportunities, loaded with age-appropriate titles.  After school, young students can come in with a parent to read and check out more books!
The following statement by the American Library Association is based on the Goals 2000 that make literacy important nationally.  Your library at Maclay School supports these goals, and seeks through our collection development and library programs to ensure your child gets the best opportunity for them to become life-long readers!

(A portion of the ALA statement)
To become life-long readers, students must have . . .

• access to current, quality, high interest, and extensive collections of books and other print materials in their school libraries, classrooms, and public libraries;
• contact with adults who read regularly and widely and who serve as positive reading role models;
• certified school librarians and classroom teachers who demonstrate their enthusiasm for reading by reading aloud and booktalking;
• time during the school day dedicated to reading for pleasure, information, and exploration;
• opportunities specifically designed to engage young people in reading;
• schools that create an environment where independent reading is valued, promoted, and encouraged; and
• opportunities that involve care givers, parents and other family members in reading.

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/positionstatements/valueindependent.cfm

Adult Titles: New for the Fall

Game Day:  Meet the People Who Make it Happen  by Kevin Sylvester

A behind-the-scenes look at the unsung heroes behind the star athletes in the world of sports. 

The Notorious Benedict Arnold:  A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery  by Steve Sheinkin

A fresh look at a famous American villian, the author recounts the tactical brillance, heroism, and adventurous nature of Benedict Arnold. 

A Nation Within a Nation:  Organizing African-American Communities Before the Civil War  by John Ernest

Examines the strong community organization, religion, and culture of antebellum slave life.  The author argues that the strength of this culture helped to define the 18th century African American living in both the North and South no less than slavery.