Dear Minuteman Community,

It is hard to believe it has been three weeks since I began as the new library media specialist. I am grateful to have found a home in the beautiful new library media center. It has been a pleasure getting to get to know and work with many of you in these past few weeks. I look forward to continuing the successful library program here at Minuteman, and to making updates and changes based on good ideas for the library, Minuteman's school goals, and student and instructor interests and needs.

Please enjoy this first edition of the Media Center Minute.

Kara Gleason, Library Media Specialist

We are excited to unveil a new look to the Minuteman library catalog! It is expected that users will appreciate the updated design and features, including new book highlights and the ease of searching by genre.

Access to the library catalog is the same as it has been. Go to www.minuteman.org, select Departments, Library, Library Catalog, Minuteman HS, then Catalog. Otherwise, click on the image below for a direct link.

Of course, we love consulting with staff and students regarding book and media selections, but we hope that you will give the new catalog a try. Check it out and find a new book today!

Kudos to reading specialist Ms. Schonour and DVC instructor Ms. Barry for bringing back the faculty "What Are You Reading?" signs. Many staff already have theirs on display. Not only are these posters beautifully designed and great conversation starters, but they also help to promote a school-wide reading culture with the adults in the building serving as reading role models.

Please reach out to Ms. Gleason and Mrs. Bowen in the library or Ms. Schonour for a "What Are You Reading?" poster of your very own!

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies; the man who never reads lives only one." George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons, 2011

Senior projects are in full swing and senior shop classes have been visiting the library to check in on research and citations.

Could you use some research help? See the links below for guidance.

How to Access the Library Databases

How to Use Noodle Tools to Cite Sources

How to Sign Up for a Free Boston Public Library E-Card (and access JSTOR)

Having a Boston Public Library e-card is useful for many reasons including access to the JSTOR database of academic journals, books, and primary sources.

Students in Ms. Anderson and Mrs. Page's English classes recently visited the library for book talks and independent reading selections.

The book talks theme of Challenge Yourself was selected based on the popular Read Harder challenge promoted by the New York Public Library, Book Riot, and Goodreads. See some of the featured books here.

How will you read harder this year? Swing by the library to browse some Challenge Yourself book ideas.

“Shake up your reading habits and get out of your reading comfort zone!”

What are you reading for Black History Month and beyond? See below for some collection highlights and swing by the library to browse our Black History Month book display!

In response to a need for printing and document support, we worked with IT to set up a new printing station next to the copier. Just log into the computer to access your files and print to "MM_FollowMe." Help yourself to finishing supplies in the nearby bin.

Email: kgleason@minuteman.org
Website: https://www.minuteman.org/domain/68
Location: 758 Marrett Road Lexington, MA 02421
Phone: 781-861-6500 (2004)