Wanamaker Library Newsletter

Books have the power to make readers experience many emotions, including happiness and laughter! The first graders experienced that recently when our read alouds centered around mustaches! The first book we read was titled Mustache! by Mac Barnett. In this book the King's kingdom is in ruins, and when his subjects come to him for help, he only builds more tributes to his handsome face. His subjects have just the plan to get out of this situation, and it involves the king and mustaches!

The second book we read was titled Mustache Baby Meets His Match by Bridget Heos. When Baby Billy is born with a mustache, his parents have to decide if it's a good-guy mustache or a bad-guy mustache!

Mrs. Reinert got in on the fun as well when she wore a stick-on mustache for the lesson! There was a chorus of "Mrs. Reinert, why are you wearing a mustache?!" when the students came into the library that day for their library class!

We ended our lesson with the students creating their own mustaches on a stick! We sent some interesting looking kiddos out the door that day!

There is nothing better than sharing a read aloud and a laugh with the students! It makes everybody's day a little bit better!

The WE 5th and 6th Grade Book Club took a field trip to TSCPL in March. The hospitality shown to us by our tour guide, Emily, was appreciated! Our students loved getting a peek at the renovations that are happening and learning about ALL the different services and activities that are offered to EVERYONE! We even got to witness some behind-the-scenes action as well, seeing just what happens to those books after they are returned on the conveyor belt. Lunch in the Millenium Cafe and some time spent browsing the stacks and a bit of silent reading rounded out the day. What a treasure we have in our public library!

We had our own March Madness going on at WE! March Book Madness is an international online bracket-style tournament that matches books in one-on-one "games." The games were decided by a simple vote on a Google Form. Students voted individually or as a whole class.

Thirteen classrooms participated in this year's tournament. The students had a great time voting and watching the bracket in the hallway to see if the books they voted for advanced in the competition.

The teachers also felt that it was a worthwhile activity. Mrs. Fewell, 5th grade teacher, had this to say about her class's experience with it, "My fifth graders were all in for March Book Madness this year-- they read, debated, and passionately defended their favorites. When their top pick didn't win, let's just say there was almost a classroom revolt (all in good fun, of course)!"

The purpose of March Book Madness is to spread the love of books and reading. I think it definitely served its purpose at WE!

We have 6 sixth grade students who act as library leaders this year. They applied for the positions, and have proven to be a big help in the library. Some of the tasks they perform include: checking in/out books, shelving books, helping younger students with book choices, putting up/taking down bulletin boards, and anything else that we ask of them!

When asked what she likes best about being a Library Leader, Adley said, "I like being a Library Leader because I get to help out. I also like sorting the books and checking them in and out." Haven responded to the same question with "I love being in our school library and helping Mrs. Reinert. Being a Library Leader has been so much fun and has allowed me to do both of those things."

Thank you, Ameya, Scarlett, Abigail, Adley, Camryn, and Haven for all your help and enthusiasm!

The votes were tallied, and as predicted, it was extremely close! Forty-nine students and their families outdid themselves by submitting entries in the Pringle Can Book Character contest sponsored by the WE Library! So. Much. Creativity. And hopefully, bonding by families over books! Thank you to all the students who participated in this fun activity! All entrants received a small treat.

On most days before students report to their classrooms, you can find several of them in the hallway outside of the library pondering a sign on the wall. What are they pondering? They are making their best guesses on identifying the Mystery Staff Reader for the week!

At the beginning of the school year, staff members were invited to submit a photo of themselves, a list of their favorite books, and a reading memory from their elementary days. Each week a different staff member is featured in the hallway outside the library. Students put their best guess of who the staff member is in a bucket in the library, and the first student whose name is drawn that has guessed correctly, is treated to a blow pop sucker and a coupon for a Chick-Fil-A kids meal.

We've had enough staff members willing to participate that we've had a new Mystery Staff Reader each week this entire school year!

According to 6th grader, Abigail, "I like seeing the staff member's favorite books each week. It's fun to compare their favorites in elementary school to my own favorites. I also like seeing who the winning student is each week!"

April 11 & 25--Student Council meetings in the library at 8:00 AM

April 22-- Student Council members go to Rolling Hills Health Center to celebrate Earth Day and springtime with the residents.

May 2-- Volunteer Luncheon in the library for all WE volunteers. Thank you to Judy Liezert, Judy Schultz, Sharlene Christenson, and Patty Jolley for being part of the library squad! We couldn't do what we do without your help!

May 9-- Final Battle of the Books meetings in the library during 4th - 6th grade lunch periods.

May 15 & 16--Battle of the Books competition for students and staff in the WE gym.

May 16-- Last Student Council meeting for ALL members in the WE library at 8:00 AM

May 16-- Tropical Day. Student Council sells leis ($1 each) earlier in the week

May 19-- Used Book Exchange held in the WE library

May 23--Last day of school for students!