Banned Books Week

In the high school, we're celebrating our freedom to read throughout all of Banned Books Week. Books on display have been pulled from shelves or challenged by someone in school or public libraries around the nation. We celebrate our freedom of choice and encourage students and parents to discuss the books they're reading.

Welcome Back!

The 2008-2009 school year has begun, and I couldn't be more excited! So many great changes in the libraries this year: we have new carpet in the elementary library, we will soon have new lights in the high school library, 25 additional computers in the elementary library, and updated catalog software. We have a wide range of new databases for student and teacher use, to improve and focus research results; we'll have tools to help students create accurate bibliographies and cite sources. Students will be able to check out and use digital cameras and digital video cameras. And, as always, we have loads of new books to share!

Call for volunteers:
In the elementary this year we are in dire need of one or more volunteers would might be willing to help with the ongoing task of sorting and shelving of books. It's not glamorous work, but it sure benefits our students when they need to find a resource! If you are interested, please send an email to bclothier at(@) lcsd.wednet.edu or call the school at 360.466.3172.

It's going to be a great year!

Summer Reading

Now that summer has finally arrived, with it comes the joy of summer reading. Students are invited to participate in summer reading programs either at the La Conner Regional Library or through the elementary school. There are events at the local library every week, so check the calendar and head on down for fun, games and lots of great activities.

All elementary students who read and turn in their reading logs in the fall will be eligible to participate in our fall reward activity and could win one of two bikes from the Bikes-4-Books program, sponsored by the Free Masons of Washington.

Poetry abounds

Last week it was Tony Curtis, this week it was Rachel Rose and Kathleen Flenniken. Students wrote group poems, sang songs, shared metaphor and simile and just plain enjoyed the language. Thanks to all of our visiting poets for broadening our horizons during these wonderful session!

A poet comes to the library

Second, third, and fourth graders loved every minute with Irish poet Tony Curtis.

Author and Poet Visits in May

Coming this May:

First, the Skagit River Poetry Festival. Listen to, write with, and engage poets from around the nation (and Ireland, this year!) at this local event. My favorite, Tom Lux, returns this year to read, as only he can, of death, mayhem, lipstick, maraschino cherries, and hopefully, The Poison Shirt. Hearing Tom read will almost certainly change your perspective on poetry. May 15, 16, and 17 right here in town.

Second, children's author Carole Lexa Shaefer comes to the elementary school May 22. Carole will read from her books, and share her insights into writing and the beauty of language with students throughout the day. While you're waiting for her visit, check out her books from the library - we have several of her wonderful titles.

Young Authors Conference

Drawing with Pierr Morgan

Fourteen third graders, selected by their teachers to attend the Young Authors Conference, enjoyed drawing with illustrators and writing with authors. And while the authors and artists had lots of good things to say, the best things I heard and saw came from the kids: with only a little prompting, our young authors demonstrated great creativity, boldly sharing their work with kids from all over the county. Good work, guys!