Library Update

We missed you! Ms. Buell and Ms. Duff, aka the ladies of the library, are excited to be returning for another great year at Weymouth High School. We purchased more than 40 titles over the summer and can't wait for students and staff to check them out...literally! However, we also want to remind everyone that the library isn't just about lending books (and Chromebooks). We provide access to a wide range of resources that support curriculum students are learning in class, and we also teach information literacy. Look for our flyers around the school that highlight how the WHS library is opening our doors for belonging, for growing, and for excellence.

On March 14, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14238 which eliminated the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS had been the largest source of federal funding for both public and school libraries. Through IMLS' Grants to States Program, for FY2025 the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) was supposed to receive $3.6 million to support library services. These grants typically fund access to research databases for both school and public libraries. While funding for FY2027 looks promising with both state and federal bills supporting libraries, for this year (FY2026), several of the WHS library databases are not available. The Weymouth public libraries and Boston Public Library have faced similar cuts. Fortunately, we still have access to the most popular databases: Gale Academic OneFile (including the OneFile Collections) and Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints. In the meantime, we encourage students to work closely with the librarians for research support and to rely more heavily than they have done in the past on physical books from our collection and ebooks available in Sora.

Did you know that Weymouth High School students and staff have access to 60,000 Ebooks, 16,000 audiobooks, and over 500 magazines on their Chromebooks? Sora is a digital reading app designed specifically for students and schools. Sora provides support for diverse learners with books in different languages, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and read aloud options. You can highlight and take notes and then share your annotations to your Google Drive!

Last month over 100 members of the WHS community accessed books through Sora. If you weren't one of them, here is how you can join the fun:

1. Open the Sora app by scrolling through the Google Waffle found in the top right corner of your browser. Click to open.
2. Click "Sign in using Weymouth High School."
3. If prompted, sign in using your school Google account.
4. Browse by collection or filter to your preferences.
5. You may check out up to 5 books at a time.
6. Optional: download the Sora app to your personal phone or device and read or listen to books there!

See the explore page for lists curated by Ms. Buell around topics like summer reading or college preparation.

Teachers, do you have a group of students that will be reading the same title at the same time (a class read, book club, etc.)? Let us know and we can request short-term simultaneous use access to that title in Sora.

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. Beginning on September 16th the library will be open to studies.

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

• 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 Study and after school. More information coming soon.
• 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. Check back for this year's schedule coming soon.

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.