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December 2024 Roundup – Shawlands Academy School Library

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Pop-Up Library: Prelims took place in the School Library throughout December, so we took the library to the classrooms! We delivered our ever-popular Pop-Up Library in the English classrooms during lunchtime, given our regulars a safe and warm place to chill as well as a chance to return books and get help with their Libby app before the festive period.

Festive Quiz: We visited ten S1 and S2 classes to deliver a fun festive quiz for a chance to win a prize. We had thirty questions across rounds: Literature, Film, Music, Traditions, Nature, and Food. Pupils found it both fun and challenging, with some of the questions prompting a lot of discussion and debate.

Swatch Magazine: Our Winter 2024 issue of Swatch, the Glasgow School Libraries eMagazine is out now including an exclusive interview with Skye McKenna, talking about her new book Seawitch.

 New Book Highlights

Goosebumps: The Haunted Mask by RL Stine, illustrated by Maddi Gonzalez

Artificial Intelligence: The Road to Conscious Machines by Michael Woolridge

Ditching Saskia by John Moore and Neetols

Author of the Week

02.12.24: Maz Evans

09.12.24: Danielle Jawando

16.12.24: Savita Kalhan

Series of the Week

02.12.24: Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

09.12.24: Football Academy by Tom Palmer

16.12.24: BZRK by Michael Grant

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for December

UK Disability History Month (14th Nov – 20th Dec): UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of disables people’s struggle for equality and human rights. It is a chance to discuss the history of disabled people, the positive contributions disabled people have made, and a chance to find out how we as a society can be more inclusive.

Bhodi Day (8th December): Bodhi Day is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained enlightenment.

World Soil Day (5th December): World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

Human Rights Day (10th December): Human Rights Day commemorates the anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

International Animal Rights Day (10th December): International Animal Rights Day is an annual event honouring animals as sentient beings who deserve the same protections as people. This global observance is marked by demonstrations that expose animal exploitation, mourn the animal victims of human tyranny and rally support for universal animal welfare.

International Migrants Day (18th December): International Migrants Day gives us a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of millions of migrants around the world. It’s also a day for us to highlight the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs.

Yule (December 21st): Yule is a winter festival historically observed by the Germanic peoples. In present times adherents of some new religious movements (such as Modern Germanic paganism) celebrate Yule independently of the Christian festival.

Christmas (25th December): Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.

Hanukkah (25th December – 2nd January): Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.

Kwanzaa (December 26th – January 1st): Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.

New Years Eve/Hogmanay (31st December): In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve refers to the evening, or commonly the entire day, of the last day of the year also known as Old Year’s Day. Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the old year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner.

Trending Book Lists

Epic Reads New Releases | The Guardian Children’s Book Roundup | LoveReading4Kids Books of the Month | Scholastic Books of the Month | Scottish Book Trust Book Lists |Toppsta Monthly Highlights | Waterstones Books of the Month

 Book Awards

Winners:  Lollies | The Saltires: Scotland’s National Book Awards | SLA Information Book Awards | Waterstones Book of the Year

Shortlists: Excelsior Awards

Merry Christmas from everyone at Lochend

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 Good cheer to you all from Lochend as we prepare for the holiday season ! It’s been a busy last month of term, with exciting things this week like karaoke in the street dining area and staff quizzing in the library.

Our last great reading recommendation of this year is, “An Illustrated History of Urban Legends”  by Adam Allsuch Boardman.  Don’t worry, it’s an easy read compared to the very long title.  A good, creepy read is almost the law at Christmas – and this book doesn’t let you down.  From ghosts to UFOs and Yetis, there is very little left out of this packed book which is lots of fun.  Although big on graphics, there’s a lot of great detail about your favourite spooky stuff and I certainly learned loads reading it.  For instance did you know that there was a rumour Elvis is still alive?  Or that the Japanese ghost Ala Manto is said to haunt bathrooms?  Dive in and enjoy this just after your Christmas Dinner !

If that isn’t to your taste, the library has a very varied selection of new arrivals for you to enjoy.  Do you like Dungeons and Dragons or other types of Cosplay?  Always wanted to know how Cosplayers do the make up for their amazing looks?  Or simply want to take your make up skills to a different level?  This book is for you.  It is a step by step, no nonsense guide to come up with amazing looks to take your Cosplaying to the next level.

Last but not least, of course Boxing Day comes just after Christmas Day and for football fans, it’s a great day to watch lots of our favourite teams complete.  If you’re not lucky enough to see a game this year, maybe this book will fill that gap for you.  A shorter book, but packed full of football stars, meet, “Football GOATS, the Greatest Footballers of All Time”.   A wide reaching and all encompassing book, it covers worldwide women and men’s football and is a great read when you’re coming to the last of the Christmas chocolates.

Now shhh…as the library is deserted this morning, not even a mouse is stirring.  But they will be during lunchbreak.  From all of us at Lochend, have a peaceful Christmas and New Year and happy reading.

Merry Grinchmas?! @St Mungo’s library

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The holiday spirit was alive and well at St. Mungo’s this year, as the library was magically transformed into a whimsical Grinch Land, thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of our library assistants and a team of extra festive “Elves.” With every corner decked out in green-and-red cheer, the space captured the mischievous charm of the Grinch while radiating the warmth and joy of Christmas.

A Creative Journey to Grinch Land

Turning the library into a holiday wonderland was a school-wide effort that brought students together in the spirit of collaboration and creativity. Students of all ages pitched in to design and decorate, bringing their artistic flair and love for Christmas to life. From hanging Grinch-themed ornaments and stringing up colorful fairy lights to painting oversized cutouts of the Grinch and Whoville signs, the library became a festive masterpiece.

A Festive Scavenger Hunt for S1 and S2 Classes

The younger students, particularly those in S1 and S2 classes, were treated to a week-long Christmas scavenger hunt within the library. This activity not only added a touch of adventure to the season but also encouraged students to explore the library and interact with its many resources.

The scavenger hunt was packed with holiday goodies like candy canes, chocolates, and small Grinch-themed prizes, making it a cherished memory for everyone involved.

The Joy of the Season

St. Mungo’s Library has always been a hub of learning and community, but this holiday season, it became so much more—a place where students and staff could share in the joy and magic of Christmas together. Whether it was decorating, scavenger hunting, or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, Grinch Land brought smiles to faces young and old.

As the term comes to a close, one thing is clear: the students of St. Mungo’s have a special knack for embracing the Christmas spirit, even if it comes with a Grinchy twist. Here’s to more festive fun and creative celebrations in the years to come!

CHS Rights Respecting Book-of-the-Month: December

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The Rights Respecting Schools Award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond. Every month Castlemilk High School features one book that highlights particular rights included under the UNCRC.  

This month’s book is No one is too small to make a difference by Greta Thunberg, renowned climate activist. It’s a little book deals with some very big issues and links to UNCRC Articles including:

  • Article 12: Respect for the views of the child

  •  Article 24: Health and health services

In 2018, a 15-year-old Swedish girl started a global movement for action against the climate crisis. This book is a collection of Greta’s speeches on climate change, a rallying cry for why we must all wake up and fight to protect the living planet, no matter how powerless we feel.

This book brings you Greta in her own words, for the first time. Collecting her speeches that have made history across Europe, from the UN to mass street protests, No One Is Too Small to Make A Difference is a rallying cry for why we must all wake up and fight to protect the living planet, no matter how powerless we feel. Our future depends upon it.

 

Book & Audiobook available from the school library

Find out more about borrowing ebooks and audiobooks using the Libby app

Merry Christmas from All Saints Library

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It’s been a whirlwind of a year here at All Saints Library

To round up the year we have our fabulous library assistants who decorated the library for the season with a fabulous tree and a book tree!

If you are in the mood for some cosy Christmas reads, check the latest display as well!

Finally, the library was full to the brim for the annual seniors lunch with some amazing origami decorations made by pupils in the art department.

Thanks for an amazing end to the year All Saints and we will see you in 2025!

St Roch’s Reads: December

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Season’s Greetings! Can you believe it’s the end of another term? Here’s a few  highlights from St Roch’s School Library to wrap up a very speedy month.  

Swatch eMagazine  

The winter edition of Swatch: Glasgow School Libraries’ eMagazine is out now. The winter edition features a great Q&A with author Skye McKenna by St Roch’s pupils. There’s also upcoming book releases and lots of reviews and recommendations. You can browse the issue online to keep up to date with new book releases and see what pupils are reading ( you might also get some bookish Christmas gift inspiration). 

Library volunteers 

After 8 weeks of hard work, this month pupils finished their volunteer-mentoring.  Those who completed all their training and helped in the library once a week, became official Library Volunteers. Welcome to the team everyone! 

There’s been a huge amount of effort put in by our pupil volunteers so far this year. We celebrated all their hard work with an end-of-term party this week. The new volunteers were welcomed to the team,  there was a prize raffle for pupils who went the extra mile and  new levels of festive competitiveness were reached in charades. A big shout out to the pupils who worked very hard over the term and completed the most tasks on their bingo sheets, Roya, Ava, Iman & Amany. Amazing work folks, well done. 

Introducing Libby 

First years were introduced to the digital library this month. Everyone set up an account and learned how to use the Libby app. With Libby pupils can access thousands of books and audio books on their iPad.

There’s lots of great features, like different background, dyslexia friendly font and built in dictionaries. After a bit of practise our first years all went away with an eBook they could adjust to best suit them – ready to read! 

Festive Fiction

Lastly, we’ve some lovely books on our highlight displays this month that are perfect for the festive season.

Some like it cold by Elle McNicoll 

After a long absence, 18-year-old Jasper is finally heading home for the holidays – and she’s keeping secrets.  Arthur, a budding filmmaker, is turning the town of Lake Pristine into a small town story worthy of the big screen. His plans are disrupted by the arrival of the town’s golden girl – the antagonist of his school days; a girl he’s never forgotten.

Jasper Montgomery is back in Lake Pristine for one reason: to say goodbye. But before long small-town tensions start to rise, and a certain brooding film buff starts to look like a very big reason to stay . . .

Let it snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle 

It’s Christmas Eve and the worst blizzard for fifty years has blanketed Gracetown. But as well as snowflakes, love is in the air – and appearing in the most unexpected ways . . .

Who’d have thought a freezing hike from a stranded train would end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger? Or that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow could lead to romance with an old friend? Or that the path to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks? 

Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens 

It’s Christmas, and the snow is falling in Cambridge, where the detective duo Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are spending the festive period.

But Hazel’s hopes of relaxing amongst the beautiful spires, cosy libraries and inviting tea-rooms are dashed by the danger lurking in the dark stairwells of Maudlin College. Two days before Christmas, there is a terrible accident.  At least, it appears to be an accident – until the Detective Society look a little closer, and realise a murder has taken place.

Faced with several irritating grown-ups and fierce competition from a rival agency, they must use all their cunning and courage to find the killer (in time for Christmas Day, of course). 

All the jingle ladies by Beth Garrod 

Molly hates Christmas. And it’s not even her fault. Her mum and dad had the biggest ever Christmas single when she was a child, complete with video evidence of Molly in a hideous Christmas costume joyfully singing the mortifying last line that EVERYBODY knows. 

Molly has spent her life trying to play it down but then the song is used in the hottest new Christmas film. It’s only November and it’s already EVERYWHERE. And when Molly meets a cute guy at the premier, how can she stop him from working out who she is? 

But Molly isn’t the only one hiding her real identity… will her Christmas romance turn out to have a Hollywood ending? 

 Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan (ebook) 

I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please. At the urge of her lucky-in-love brother, sixteen-year-old Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on her favourite bookshop shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. Curious, Dash isn’t one to back down from a challenge – and the Book of Dares is the perfect distraction he’s been looking for. As they send each other on a scavenger hunt across Manhattan, a whirlwhind romance ensues on paper. But finding out if they share their on-page chemistry in real life could be their biggest dare yet….   

 I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas by Tiffany Schmidt (ebook) 

Noelle Partridge is known for three things: being the best ballet dancer, babysitter, and person with the most Christmas spirit in her small town. But lately she’s bored by the lessons at her dance school, and her friends and father are more bah humbug than Hallmark movie marathon. So when her favorite babysitting clients ask her to accompany them on a ski trip over winter break, she packs her bags for the slopes. It helps that they’re offering double her rate—she’ll need the money for Beacon, an elite ballet academy that’s granted her an audition. 

Noelle is ready to “Deck the Halls” and have fa la la la fun, until Wyatt, the older half-brother of her babysitting charges, decides to surprise his family for the holiday. He’s one of the best dancers at Beacon, and makes Noelle’s head spin faster than pirouettes. Unfortunately, she also manages to step on his toes—spoiling his surprise and complicating his secret plans. After a few missteps, Noelle and Wyatt begin to thaw toward each other and bond over the big decisions looming in each of their lives. With enough Christmas magic, Noelle might just start the New Year with lots of babysitting cash in her pocket and a chance with the pas de deux partner of her dreams. 

Happy reading!

Christmas in St Paul’s Library

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in the library. 📚

Our elves have been busy putting up our new library Christmas Tree, courtesy of Ms Kelly 🤶 🎄

There are new displays in the library as well. One with Christmas themed books and one with  some contemporary senior fiction for reading over the holidays.  All available to borrow

Rosshall Participatory Budgeting Session

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In November some of our pupils helped to select books for the library through a participatory budgeting session. Pupils were asked to select from a range of books including non-fiction,  fiction, junior books and young adult books. The focus was on books with strong female protagonists, books depicting positive female friendships and books tackling issues such as misogyny and gender based violence. This theme was chosen to tie in with the goals of the school. A massive thanks to all the BGE and Senior pupils who helped to choose the books. The order for our new books has been sent and we are now awaiting delivery. Look out for a display of these books when they arrive.