Always Supporting Everything.
It so much fun to work in a library. We try to provide books, technology, and resources for all our community members. While we primarily deal in books and tech, we also deal in providing a conducive environment. Lots of times in this very article I have posted how we host displays or presentations. We also host classes and study sessions.
This includes offering the option for study on Saturday. The Library is now open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday mornings for students to get a bit more quite a time. This was based on requests from students, parents, and the high school administration, who worked with ISB to get this resource in place.
However, we also support athletics. To the right, you will see that we have a big screen in the library where we typically have rotating displays highlighting books or student work. It currently has a rotation of the IASAS sporting events currently running. As you can see, it is a draw as well.
I’ve said it before and will say it again. It’s awesome to work in the library!
Bell’s Recommendation
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This is both a story about the occupation of France during WWII and a reflection on what happened. We start the story in France as the men must leave their families to go to the war front and join the battle. Vianne and her sister Isabelle are left to take care of the home. They did not believe the Germans would occupy France nor the extent to which the bombings would occur. Isabelle, who is 18 as the story begins, struggles with this and ultimately seeks to be a member of the resistance. She goes on to carry a significant role as a member of the resistance. Hannah’s writing is so eloquent and powerful that you actually feel what is happening. When the Germans billet at their home, the tension is palpable. In some scenes, we can almost hear the characters struggling to breathe. It is an amazing story and one that will leave you wanting more. If you love Historical Fiction, this book is for you. Additionally, Kristin Hannah has other great books to read. Stop into the library and grab one. You won’t be disappointed.
Technology Tools
Looking for a good AI tool to help streamline your work? Tryout Otter.ai for your meeting notes. This one is very cool. It allows you to speak at will and dictate how a meeting is without someone being forced to focus on notes. Get everyone in your meeting focused on the topic. Get Charts and Graphs as well to support the meeting and pull in extra elements.
Digital Citizenship
Fake News is still a thing and likely to get worse. With deep fakes and ai able to make things and people look real it creates the potential for even more convincing fake news. Trying to get students to see some of the places and ways to sniff out fakes is a skill that will become more and more important. The New York Times put out a great set of lessons, with some very cool examples and images that will test your own skill at seeing issues. Check out this article from the New York Times.