FHS Library Quarterly

"The library remains one of the few places in the world where you don't have to buy anything, know anyone, or believe anything to enter. It's our most egalitarian space. [...] In these days of chaos, if hope is a thing with feathers, then libraries are wings."

- Katherine Rundell, Why You Should Read Children's Books,

Even Though You Are So Old and Wise, 2026

New in the Library: FHS Historical Archives

With the help of summer interns, the Framingham High School Library team organized an archive of historical photographs, books, and newspapers about Framingham High School. These items have been donated over the years by alumni, community members, and FHS staff members.

Now, anyone can view the catalog for the archival materials or the catalog of FHS's print yearbooks through the FHS Library website, and then talk to a library staff member about viewing the hard copy in the library. Classes can schedule a time to visit the archival materials in the Library the same way they'd schedule a typical research visit.

If you'd like to donate any pieces of FHS history to the archive, please email Ms. Courchesne.

Maggie and Celia sort through music and drama photos from the 1970s and 1980s.

The archived materials are now in acid-free boxes to keep them properly preserved for future generations.

Charlotte and Liam record details about historic newspapers held in our archives.

FHS Library by the Numbers

1848 - 2018: Years currently covered in the Library's new archives of FHS History

Do YOU hold a piece of older or recent FHS history that you'd like to donate to the archives?

Welcome to the Library, FHS Class of 2030!

In September, every 9th grade FHS English class visited the Library for a 1 hour orientation lesson, which culminates in a team scavenger hunt. The winning team from each class has the privilege of signing their names on their year's poster, which is proudly displayed in the Library until graduation. We look forward to a great 4 years with this year's entering class!

Question of the Week: FHS Library's popular whiteboard conversation starter

If you were a cartoon character...

If animals could talk, which would be the funniest?

If you could haunt anyone in the world...

FHS Staff Book Club

Next Discussion - Yesteryear

Our next book club discussion is about Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. We'll meet on Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 2:20pm in the Library Closed Classroom.

Please email Alison Courchesne to be included in the Google Calendar event for updates.

Our Book Recommendations

Ms. Courchesne's Book Pick: Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell

My first reason for recommending this book is that it clocks in at a slim 70 pages and can be held in the palm of your hand. The second reason is that on every page there is a gem of a quote (like the one at the top of this newsletter) to remind you why books written for kids can be enjoyed by people of any age. Rundell banishes shame from adults who enjoy reading books for children, and she claims that to be a writer of children's books "is to insist that, though the world burns, and there is more fire yet to come, still it will always be worth teaching children to rejoice. It will always be worth teaching them how to delight in beauty and knowledge, and how to protect their freedom" (Rundell 53-54).

Mrs. May's Book Pick: Summer Island By Kristin Hannah

A great summer escape read! This is one of Hannah's earlier works and it certainly shows that she has developed as a writer. This tale covers everything from family dynamics, lost loves, and toxic relationships, which somehow all repair themselves with a few weeks at the family summer cottage. A bit predictable, but a worthwhile read!

Ms. Allen's Book Pick: Good People by Patmeena Sabit

The Sharafs, an Afgan family who immigrated to America and got rich, seem to be living the American dream. Then tragedy strikes, and readers start to question whether this tragedy was actually a crime. This propulsive debut is told through multiple POVs like a mockumentary, but we never hear from the Sharafs themselves. I devoured it in a day, and would highly recommend it.

Try FHS eBooks/AudioBooks/Magazines on SORA!

Visit soraapp.com/welcome on your browser or download the "Sora, by OverDrive" app onto your phone/device: Sora on the App Store or Sora on Google Play

(Search for "MLS Commonwealth eBooks" and then use the pulldown menu to choose "Framingham Public Schools" and log in using your school email/password.)

Join Framingham’s Million Reads Challenge!

Help our community read 1,000,000 books by June 30, 2027! Build reading into your family’s routine by reading together, sharing favorite stories, and letting children see you enjoy a book. Graphic novels, comics, and audiobooks count, too!

FHS Library

Email: acourchesne@framingham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://fhs.framingham.k12.ma.us/56465_3
Location: Framingham High School, A Street, Framingham, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 620-4963 ext. 27588
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/framinghamhighschoollibrary/

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FHS Library Quarterly