Library and Tech News, Sept. 24, 2021
The Big Library Revamp
This time last week – the library was a bit of a disaster! Books to be moved, books to be shelved, books to be weeded, old displays and projects lying around. The entire collection was a disarray in preparation for ‘The Big Library Revamp”. There were no students here, so the mess didn’t seem to matter.
After the announcement that the school might open, the library buzzed with activity as we decided it was time to start ‘The Big Library Revamp’ and implement the changes we have wanted to make. When you walk into the library next, you will notice some changes:
Non-Fiction
Need a book on Mindfulness, Soccer or How to Bake? We have weeded this section and moved the entire collection upstairs. Only the best books are on the shelves, so it is much easier to browse for topics. With that said, you can now take on a stack of books to browse through and enjoy a quiet, secluded space to read at a table or cubby upstairs.
Fiction
Didn’t find Vol 5 of The Mortal Instruments Series? Now you can! We have been able to spread out our previously cramped shelves. Since the entire main floor of the library is now devoted to fiction, the shelves have been arranged by row (to be honest, it is much easier to find books when the shelving is arranged by row). Now we have space to expand this collection and can put more books on display.
Signage
We have redone all the signage in the library using the Jeff Ross (ISB Visiting Artist) art installation in the library as inspiration. You can find the section, or a room you need at a glance.
Working Areas
We have created as many table areas for students to work at as we could in line with Covid Guidelines.
Speaking of Covid Guidelines……..
The hybrid model means that we will need to be extremely vigilant and adhere to all the new guidelines in order to prevent the spread of Covid in case there is a positive case identified at school. Before you enter the library please review the new rules on the bulletin board outside the entrance – we have made it as effective and efficient as possible for students to use the library.
How About Your Own Personal Revamp?
As you reflect on the upcoming second quarter, what are some areas of your life you would like to revamp? More tips on this topic coming your way soon.
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Melinda’s Recommendation
Escaping Eleven by Jerri Chisholm (YA – Dystopian)
Humans were forced to live underground hundreds of years ago as the world became hotter and inhabitable. Around the world, there are underground compounds built for the remaining population. There is a strict hierarchy between floors in Compound 11, which is located in the US. Eve is 16 years old and lives on the Lower Mean, which is not the lowest floor but it is a violent hard life. Despite the limited career options available to people from Eve’s floor, as she turns 16, she must select a profession. Eve wants nothing more than to escape and either make it to another compound or take her chances above ground, even if it means death. It’s better to be free than alive. Meeting a boy calledWren, a Preme from the top floor, during one of her matches makes her question many things about her compound, life, and what is really like outside now that so much time has passed. A real page-turner! The City of Ember meets The Red Queen Series.
Bell’s Recommendation
The Impossible First by Colin O’Brady 
It is one of the harshest environments on earth. Daily temps regularly stay at 20 below zero and wind begins in Antarctica. Colin shares not only his adventures, mishaps, and thought about crossing Antarctica, but he also shares his life story. Including his documenting and sharing with over 100 schools around the globe. It started out with a basically fairly normal life, was a competitive swimmer in college and got a job right out of college to travels to Koh Tao Thailand, and a harrowing event that would change his perspective on life. This book makes you rethink the small things and yet focus on the important things. A great read and there are PICTURES!