Monthly Archives: May 2012

Meet me in the library?

Have you put down your name for the Edinburgh festival trip or have you nominated yourself as a possible library assistant? Well, make sure that you pop into the library for the meetigs that I have schedules or you will miss out on some very important information.

If you are not in either of these categories but are feeling lobely just pop in anyway and remember I am still looking for suggestions from ALL pupils on what new book shoudl be bought for the library for next session.

All recommendations have to be in by the 29th May as I will be out book buying on the 30th.

If you don’t suggest then don’t complain!

Too dark to read?

This is one of my favourite quotes:
Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.
Groucho Marx
US comedian with Marx Brothers
(1890 – 1977)
And this is the inspiration for the title of this Aussie book web site aimed at YOU!

So, if you are ever stuck for something to read and can not get to me then hop in to this web site for lots of ideas and reviews of books you will want to red.
A tiny touch of warning that other than the US and the UK – Australia probably has some of the very best authors for teens – Paul Jennings, Morris Gleitzman and John Marsden to name but a few and not all have UK publishers.
I do have some sneaky copies of Australian titles so you never know.
let me know what you think of this site or any of the others that I have suggested over the past few weeks or even one of your own that you would like me to promote here on the library web pages.
Mrs B.

No peas in this POD


Oh I do love a dystopian novel and POD by Stephen Wallenfels nestles rather well into this catergory but with aliens thrown in for good measure. A bit like a modern-day War of the Worlds – strangle alien POD things hover in the sky zapping (fun fact: In Dutch the book is called Zap) anyone who dares to come out of their house.

The story is split into two perspectives Meg trapped in a car park and Josh trapped in his house.
The tension is palpable and there are often moments where you truly think “What would I do?”. Despite the aliens the book feels strangely realistic or I wonder if that’s because we are so used to the notion of alien attack that the novel is breaking no new ground here.
If you are a little bit of a sensitive soul I would steer away from this as it has some quite shocking and a touch grisly scenes.

However, for those who are fans of Michael Grant and Susanne Collins I think you will be more than happy.
There is a real twist in the morality of the book as the aliens are not the only enemy in this desperate fight for survival.
So, if this sounds like your cup of literacy, pop into the library and pour yourself a POD. You could also check out his web site at
www.stephenwallenfels.com/

Mrs B.

McRoarrrrrrrr!


The Rampage is a strange book with an unusual twist of events. Written by Ann Evans and part of a sequel it follows on from other books. Despite this, it is an easy to follow, intriguing read! I found the whole aspect and idea of the novel clever and descriptive. And even better, it is set in Scotland!

I like the way the writer makes you feel part of the bone shaking experience, and the story really touches on old prehistoric animals which is nice. This makes the book very unique and definitely not boring. Overall I would approve this read to all ages and would absolutely recommend the author to anyone.

Garrett S2

Flip it!

The most popular magazine at the moment in the library is FLIPSIDE.
If you are a regular library used you will find it in the manga/graphic novel section of the library.

It is jam-packed with pictures and articles on movies and books and TV shows and gadgets and music and and and and and….

If your bi-monthly does of the magazine is not enough to sate your techie appetites then why not pop on to their equally great web site?

There you will find lots of other articles and perhaps even a competition or two you might want to enter.

Let me know how you get on!

Library Meeting

Today we had a super attendance for the meeting for new library assistants at St.Ninian’s.

Lots of pupils showed up to express an interest in helping out. I can not wait to get started and would like to say a big thanks to all those pupils who have agreed to help out in the library and by doing so help other libray users and the school.
Well done you!

Keep your eyes on this web site for more library assistant information and perhaps some articles by the assistants themselves!

Helping Hands


Are you a fan of the library and would like to help out?
The school library is currently looking for pupils from all year groups to come along and support their school library.
Can you spend a morning break or a lunchtime helping or even a free period or after school?

There will be a meeting for all those interested on Thursday 15th May from 12.45-55 in the Library.
Don’t worry if you can not make this time – just pop along to the library and speak to Mrs. Baird who will give you some information about what volunteering involves.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Trust Scottish

Book Trust

If you are looking for something new to read or some competitions to enter then pop along to the Scottish Book Trust web site.

If you find a brilliant read that we do not have here at St.Ninian’s please let me know and I will do my best to add it to our stock.

If you do visit the web site let me know what you thought of it or if you have your own favourite booky web site let me know and it might just feature on these pages!

If you look for it you might find it!

How do you find what you are looking for when you can’t ask Mrs Baird?
Once you have stopped crying and wiped away those big blubby tears – you could log on to THIS great web site.

Technically it is called an OPAC – Online Public Access Catalogue and here you will find all the resources available to you from every Community Library in East Renfrewshire and every secondary school library.

And guess what almost everything is free!

There are books and DVDs and audio CDs and downloadable digital reads.

There is also access to resources such as Encyclopedia Britannica and Groves online again all for free beacuse you are a member of the libraries.

So get stuck in and add the ER OPAC to your favourites – you know you need to!

If you need any help with this site please come and ask me.