This week our library will celebrate Banned Books Week. We will be passing out buttons and bookmarks and will have a display of frequently banned and challenged books. I have also uploaded several files for teachers to help them inform our students about this controversial issue. Censorship affects us all; but as a school, as a community, as a society, we can fight it -- and we must! PLEASE VISIT OUR BANNED BOOKS WEEK PAGE for more information and to see how you can help.
I know you're looking at this website! I can tell from the site traffic data! =) Thank you for visiting bighouselibrary.com -- I hope it's a sign that you like the library, but it could mean just the opposite! Good or bad, we want to know what you think, what you like, what you could do without, and what's missing. Please take a second to sign our online guest book. We love reading your letters and notes. Having them online just will make them that much funner! =)
Well, I told you we are trying to fix your computer problems here at Casa. One big way we're doing that is by building a new computer lab! Yup. And best of all, it's attached to the library. =) It probably won't be ready for a while. But when it's done, it's gonna be great! CLICK HERE to see pix of the work in progress. And, hats off to the hard-working (but noisy) construction crew! =)
So, if you've used a computer at school lately, you've probably noticed that the network connection is a little slow. OK, seriously S-L-O-W! We're talking dial-up slow! Slow that makes The Slowskys look fast! =)
One student complained, "Dude! My grandma can run faster than this!" And, "This sucks!" is a common refrain. Don't believe me? Watch this video! As a result, we've had to take drastic measures to communicate with each other when the internet goes down. CLICK HERE to see for yourself. =)
S-L-O-W-L-Y but surely, we're going to bring the Casa Library into the 21st century. I'll make it my mission in life! =)
And, trust me, we're off to a good start. Last Friday, our Assistant Principal and coordinator-of-all-things-tech at Casa, Mr. Mark Molina (a former employee of IBM, a totally-cool computer nerd, and a super-nice guy) and I went to visit the Teacher/Librarian at our feeder school, Kenilworth Junior High, Ms. Connie Williams. CLICK HERE to see pix of our site vist.
At the Kenilworth Library, the three of us took a look at their tech: their wi-fi network, their laptop carts, their computer desks, etc. It was almost unbelievable how modern they are! (And they're middle schoolers! LOL!)
We brainstormed and pow-wowed and came away with some really great ideas and advice on how best to make Casa techier. So, even though it's frustrating for now, just know that your librarian and your a.p. have your back and your best interest and your technology needs in mind, and we're working on fixing your computer problems. For real for real! =)
Okay, I confess, I thought it was going to be me and the crickets all alone in the library last week at back to school night. But, actually, quite a few students and their family members visited me! Even two of administrators -- Superintendent Greta Viguie and Director of Curriculum Ron Everett -- stopped by. How busy it was in the library might have had something to do with it how cold and windy it was outside, but regardless of the reason, I had such nice conversations with everyone that my cheeks hurt at the end of the night from smiling! =) CLICK HERE to see the pictures I took that night.
This week and last Ms. Richter's photography students have been taking their cameras around campus, documenting "Casa Life." Sounds like a cool project, huh? Yeah, I thought so, too, especially when the came to the library for some photo opps! =)
Lauren & Chloe were the first two photographers, and some of their shots are featured on our photos page. Other student photographers came to the library soon thereafter. And once they email me their pictures, I will proudly display their work, too! =)
I'd like to print these photos and have them in some simple black frames around the library. But I can't decide if they should be in color, black & white, or sepia brown? What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know! =)
Casa students were begging me for comfier seating in the library, specifically bean bags. So, during Labor Day weekend, I wrote a grant for some. One week later, my grant proposal was approved by DonorsChoose.org and posted on the internet. Less than one day after that, someone named "Frank in Petaluma" funded the entire request!!! =) He footed the bill for $325 worth of bean bags, taxes, and shipping costs! For real! =)
Thank you, Frank!!! THANK YOU!!! You rock more than words can say!!! =)
Frank's official thank you is forthcoming, but for now we're giving him props with a special flier announcing and celebrating his generosity & coolness. =)
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