Check It Out!

The CCS library is looking fantastic, and it's wonderful to see the students returning with enthusiasm! Over the years, our library has undergone significant changes, culminating in a setup that is both inviting and accessible. The current design is intentionally open, with all books placed at a height that ensures students of all ages and abilities can reach them easily. The layout also accommodates individuals with different physical needs, allowing everyone to navigate the space comfortably. Books are deliberately grouped and labeled, making it simpler for pre-readers, young students, and our older students to find what they're seeking. The library's primary mission is to help readers discover books they love, whether for pleasure or to learn more about the world. It must be working because last year our students checked out an incredible 4,500+ books! Hopefully the students will also enjoy the new nonfiction books that were purchased after our community survey to see what jobs and hobbies kids and adults in our community wanted reflected on our shelves.

You will see some of those new books featured in these photos. Thank you to the Rural Schools Collaborative for the funds to purchase these books.

Additionally, our library celebrates various themes in line with the Library Celebration Months organized by the American Association of School Librarians. From September 15th to October 15th, we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Thank you for being a part of our thriving library community!

Welcome to another year in the BSE library! I’ve enjoyed hearing curious and excited students react to both the familiar and new as they enter our space for the first time this year. “Ooh, Ms. Whitsett, the chapter book area looks different!” exclaimed an observant 6th grader. “What’s in that glass case - wait, it says Mini Museum of Unusual & Interesting Objects - huh?!” questioned a 4th grader. Returning students quickly informed new peers about the hot spots. “The graphic novels are up front - did you see the new Warriors books? They’re finally here!” pointed out a 3rd grader with excitement. “Oh - you’ve gotta say goodbye to Pigeon and Dragon when you leave the library!” reminded one kindergartener to another as they recalled a favorite preschool tradition. As we move through the first month of school, our focus is to build community, get to know our collection (including hundreds of new titles!), and most importantly get to know ourselves as readers.

I invite our community to come see what the hype is all about during our Open House on September 25th from 6-7pm. Additionally, please make sure to read the library flier sent home in the packet of school papers this week. In it you’ll find important information about your child’s library visit schedule and routines. Finally, click HERE to visit our library website, which has direct links to our catalog, curriculum info, and more. Thanks for your support, and take a look below at some of the books we enjoyed during our first week together.

• Lillian Whitsett, BSE Librarian

Hello from the Sanderson library! I hope you all had a wonderful summer full of reading and books (or experiences that would make good stories!). Now that school has resumed, it is wonderful to see familiar faces peeking in at the books on display as they pass by in the hallway, everyone a little taller than they were just a couple of months ago. Here at Sanderson, library classes will begin next week, and book checkout will start the week after. This month, we will build our library community and become reoriented with the space, its expectations, procedures, and opportunities. Students will learn or review how to browse and navigate the stacks (fancy library word for ‘shelves’), and they will enjoy activities and fun read-alouds about books and libraries. I can’t wait to get started…stay tuned for more! In closing, I would love to send a HUGE shoutout to all who contributed to my Donors Choose fundraiser in August. Because of your generosity, we were able to add another comfy chair, logic and computational thinking games, and several new books to our library. It takes a village to raise a reader, and I thank you all so very much for your support!!!

Robin Wilson

Sanderson Academy Library and Media Specialist