Library Update

The Weymouth HS Library has an extensive collection of children's books. These titles primarily support the Early Childhood Education classes in our CTE department, however, many of these books are also excellent choices for our teenage students to read when they visit the library. Our top-of-shelf displays cater to our high school readers and here are few reasons that young adults or adults may want to check out a children's picture book:

1. Many of our picture books tackle adult topics in a short number of pages. Learn about history, art, poetry, dance, and culture in about 32 pages, the typical length of a children's book.
2. Picture books follow a similar narrative structure as a novel. These books supply practice in identifying theme, plot, characters, conflict, setting, point of view, and style. Creative word choices, sentence structure, and figurative language provide excellent mentor sentences as well.
3. Picture books can fill in learning and cultural knowledge gaps. New to the Boston area? If you didn't grow up here you might not understand the significance of the Make Way for Ducklings statue in the Boston Public Gardens. Love the movie Tangled ? Check out the original German fairy tale, Rapunzel, and decide if the Disney version does justice to the classic tale.
4. The artwork in picture books is incredible. For example, the original works of Tar Beach author-illustrator Faith Ringgold are displayed in the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
5. Lastly, read a picture book for the nostalgia of it -- connect with a childhood favorite and reconnect with a younger version of yourself. Take a brain break with a deeper purpose and great value.

Around 250 students each day visit the library to browse the collection, attend a college visit, borrow a Chromebook, spend their study in the library, or spend their lunch period in the library instead of going to the cafeteria.

In September and October 173 books were checked out of our physical collection. An additional 296 ebooks, magazines, or audiobooks were checked out from our digital collection in Sora.

When students come to the library during their study period they report that most often they are looking for a space to work independently. The second most popular reason to come to the library during study is to work with peers.

Many students have visited the library in September or October to borrow a Chromebook for the day. The vast majority report that they need a loaner because they left their Chromebook at home.

Currently there are seven WHS students who earn community service hours by volunteering in the library after school. They have been a tremendous help reshelving the books that students have returned, tidying up the space, and helping Ms. Buell decide which books should be "retired." We are very grateful for the volunteers and are always open to having new students join us. Students drop in when they can, and just need to check in with Ms. Buell earlier in the day to confirm that she is available to stay after school that afternoon.

Students may visit the library with their class or with a pass from their subject teacher at any time.Teachers, please call ahead to x21036 so we know to expect your student and can alert you if they don't arrive.

Here are the guidelines for obtaining a pass to be in the library during a study:

• A limited number of students may visit the library during their SIP/Study period. Students must complete the sign up Form on the library website to reserve a spot. The Form opens after 2:15pm and closes at 7:30am and reservation is made for that day only. If the period needed is not listed it means that it has reached capacity. Once students complete the Form they do not need to go to their study. Come straight to the library and check in at the desk.

Here are the guidelines for other library services:

• The Educational Technology help desk is located in the library. If students notice any issues with their Chromebooks they should obtain a pass and visit the Helpdesk.
• Loaner Chromebooks are available in the library. All loaner chromebooks are due back by 2:15pm on the same day they are checked out. Chromebooks not returned on time will be disabled.
• National Honor Society runs a tutoring program during studies. There is a table reserved and for most studies an NHS member will be there waiting for anyone who needs help to drop in.
• Several after school clubs meet in the library. Any club that would like to use the library after school should stop by the desk or email Ms. Buell.
• Homework Hotspot takes place in the library. Teachers are available to help students with homework Monday - Thursday from 2:30-3:15. Students also attend "homework club" to work with peers.

The library website is a resource to help you access information about the library, research support, and links to the Catalog, Databases, writing and citations support. Check us out.