Welcome back!

Greetings from the MAMS Media Center! I hope you had a wonderful summer. I'm excited to meet our new 6th graders and to see our returning students back in the library! Whether you're new to MAMS this year or you're an 8th grade library regular, here are the top 5 things you need to know. See you soon and best of luck this school year!

 

 

1. When can you visit the library? 

Unlike in elementary school, there is no "library class." However, your classes may come in sometimes for research, projects, or to listen to book talks. You can visit the library by yourself during your study hall or lunch periods, as long as you have a pass. Sixth graders may visit the library AFTER your class has come in for library orientation (sorry- you have to know where things are before you can check out books!)

2. What's the deal with study hall? 

Coming to the library during studyhall is a PRIVILEGE. In order to keep that privilege students must: have a pass from their studyhall teacher, sign in when entering, have something productive to do while you're here, and leave the library the way you found it.  You may come to the library to do any of the following: use a computer for research, print out an assignment, find a book, or read a book or magazine. Homework should be done in studyhall, unless you need a computer or help with research! Because we have limited computers, students playing games or wasting time on a computer will be asked to leave.

3. How do I check out a book?

Have your ID with you. You may take out 2 books at a time and keep them for 2 weeks. Most of our fiction books have stickers on them, telling you which genre they fit into. Ms. Emili and Mrs. Weissman can always help you find what you're looking for- don't be afraid to ask!

 4. What else does the library have to offer?

In addition to regular books, we have:  e-books that you can read on any device (Kindle, Nook, iPad, smart phone, etc), magazines, databases to help you with your research, daily newspapers, and lots of other resources available on our website.

5. Are there any special activities that happen in the library?

YES! Most months we have a reading contest with prizes and a Lunch Bunch event, when a librarian from the public library comes in to tell you about new books, shows you how to make a craft, and you can eat your lunch in the library with your friends.  Some of our language arts classes have Skyped with authors. We had a dressup day last year for School Library Month in April. Sixth graders participate in Six Flags Read to Succeed. This year we'll be starting a Library Loyalty program, where you can earn prizes for participating in contests and volunteering in the library. Stay tuned to the morning announcements, read the blog, or stop in to find out what's going on!

 

What's what in the MC

In case you haven't been to the media center in a while, here are a few answers to common questions:

*How many books can I check out at a time?
   You are allowed to have 2 books out at any time. Magazines and newspapers do not circulate, but you may read them in the library.

*How long can I keep my books?
Reference books may be kept overnight only. All other books may be checked out for up to 2 weeks. If you can't finish your book within 2 weeks, you may renew for another 2 weeks.

*What happens if my book is late?
You will owe $.05 per book, per day. For your convenience, there is a library dropbox in the main hallway, right across from the library- if you don't have time to come into the library, drop your books in there (provided they are on time).

*When can I come to the Media Center?
There are three times during the day: Advisory, lunch, and during class with your teacher and classmates. To visit during Advisory, you must get a pass from your teacher. If you'd like to stop in during lunch, drop by BEFORE going to the cafeteria to make sure we will be open and to get a pass. Then go eat your lunch, and return after eating. No food may be eaten in the library, so please do not bring your lunch with you.

*How do I find out about special events happening in the Media Center?
Any special events or contests (Lunch Bunch, genre of the month contests, etc) are advertised in the morning announcements. They will also be posted here on the library blog, and fliers are usually hung up around the school as well.

*What if I need help with research?
Just ask! Seriously. Stop by and ask for help. Also, any materials that we go over when your class comes in are posted under your teacher's last name under "Tags" on the right side of this page.

Welcome back!

Dear teachers and students,
Welcome to a new school year! If you're new to this site, let me introduce you to our library blog. Before we get down to business, you may want to save this site as a Favorite (to do so: click the star on the left side of your browser and then Save to Favorites). Ok, now on to what's here...

 First and more importantly: whenever your class comes in to work on a project, resources will be posted to the blog. Posts appear in reverse chronological order, so if your class came in a few weeks ago and you need to go back to something, you may have to scroll down a bit. You can also click on your teacher's name under "Tags" on the right-hand side of the screen. Once you click on their name, all posts for that teacher will come up. You may also find general sites to help you with research under the tag "Research." 


Lots of stuff goes on in the media center throughout the year! Aside from coming in with your teachers to work on projects and research papers, we have contests throughout the year and special events (like Lunch Bunch). Check into our library site to find out what's happening, and to check out pictures from past events! Also, if you're looking for something new to read: check out the Authors section on the right side of this site! 


Have a GREAT start to the school year! I look forward to seeing you in the Media Center. 


Happy reading,
Ms. Emili