All of a sudden here we are on the second last week of term wondering where the last few weeks have disappeared to. The library has been a busy place, with S1 learning to use the library and our lunchtime sessions being as popular as ever. We have also held a book fair and was open for visitors during our school openin evening.

S1 & 2 classes come to the library on a weekly basis to read, return and borrow books, do Accelerated Reader quizes or Star Reading tests,  and take part in library lessons. In particular, our S1 learn about the library following a library literaacy programme. This includes:

• • exploring the library
  • how to borrow and return books
  • logging into and using the library catalogue, OLIVER
  • introduction to Accelerated Reader
  • behanviour expectations
  • arrangement of and finding books (fiction & nonfiction) on the shelves
  • how choose the right book to read
  • looking at genres and book covers
  • introduction to the library blog
  • the benefits of reading

 

Lunchtimes in the library can be popular with anywhere between 20 and occasionally over 40 pupils coming in to use the space. We do expect them to be taking part in the organised activities, or being occupied with something, whether it is reading, study and research, homework, computer use, board games, colouring in, etc. There is a Miniature Painting club on a Monday run by our S6 Library Leader, a no tech day (computers) on ‘Wellness Wednesaday’, and pupils run their own Dungeons & Dragons group on a Thursday lunchtime. We also have a group of S4 who have been working on a literary (Dracula) themed jigsaw all term on most days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last week we had our annual book fair, which had been brought forward to September thus avoiding Children in Need fundraising events in November. This is a way of promoting reading and the ownership of books with the addition of being able to gain free books for the library if we hit the commission threshold. This year it was a struggled. Sales fell short, however a purchase made from library budget meant we did receive some lovely new books. Some S1 pupils helped to set up the displays too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The book fair also coincided with the school’s general Open Evening (open to the community). For the first time, the library was made available for folk to visit, have a look around and find out about what we provide. The fair was available for browsing, as well as two D&D groups and an Magic the Gathering group playing demonstration games. As a point of interest, our D&D activity and groups will celebrate the 20th anniversary since three pupils came and asked the librarian if they could run the game in the library. Watch this space!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our next event is our annual Poetry Picnic to celebrate National Poetry Day on the 3rd October. NPD has been running since 1992, however at Stromness Academy, we started celebrating it in 2003. The poetry picnic, however, started in 2004 when the theme was ‘Food’. We are now in our 20th year. This year’s theme is ‘Counting’ which tied neatly into Maths week last week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday 31st October, we will be having our annual ‘Spooky Happenings’ where we gather to tell each other some ghost stories.

Further Library Information Available:

Library Guide

Library Activities

Library Collection Development Policy