AAPS Library Services Department
May/June 2024 Vol. 21
Celebrate 2023-24 AAPS Library Services Good News!
As we wrap up the school year, it is the perfect time to reflect on AAPS library achievements under the lead of our two department chairs: Jennifer Colby, Huron High School Librarian/Secondary Department Chair and Rachel Goldberg, Wines Elementary Librarian/Elementary Department Chair.
Click on the image below to view a slide presentation of the AAPS Library programs and accomplishments this past school year!
A2STEAM Librarian and Author, Julie Darling will appear at A2SF
On Friday, June 28th from 5-8 p.m. you'll find A2 STEAM Librarian Julie Darling and illustrator D. J. Cools with Booksweet in the KidZone tent at A2SF (formerly known as Top of the Park), giving a sneak preview reading from their forthcoming titles, Little Hackers and Little Computer Scientists, singing the Debugging and Silly Password songs from the forthcoming Guidebook and teaching kids about binary, ciphers and cybersecurity vocabulary. Enter the drawing for a signed copy of Social-Emotional Learning Using Makerspaces and Passion Projects and a basket of makerspace supplies (Free event).
AAPS Librarians in the News!
Booklist Interviews Skyline High School Librarian, Carolyn Hill
Carolyn Hill, librarian at Skyline High School, was interviewed by Booklist about how the Ann Arbor Public Schools use Sora, the audiobook/ebook reading app. Booklist is a print and online publication of the American Library Association that provides reviews of books and audiovisual materials for librarians.
Ms. Hill, one of the district's designated Sora title purchasers, states that AAPS acquired Sora in 2020 during the school closures due to the pandemic as a way to continue to connect students with reading and literacy in the absence of physical books. The interest and engagement level with Sora was immediate and continues to increase readership amongst students as the AAPS is the top user of Sora in the state of Michigan! Click here to view the constantly moving-forward number of checkouts on our Sora Dashboard!!
In the interview, which you can view below, Ms. Hill explains that there are many benefits to using Sora including:
- Increased availability of books, not only because we students can access the AAPS Sora ebook/audiobook collection but also because they can connect their Sora account to the Ann Arbor District Library as well.
Allowing multiple copies of the same title available to multiple students
Assigning students titles for use in Literature Circles
Increased readership as "reading begets more reading". The more books students have access to and the easier it is to access those books, the more a student will read.
Access year-round to books since our physical libraries are closed in the summer
Special features including annotation tools, search functions and easy dictionary access to look up word meaning
Ann Arbor Family Magazine interviews Slauson Middle School Librarian, Laurel Maguire
Laurel Maguire, librarian at Slauson Middle School, was interviewed by Ann Arbor Family Magazine this spring regarding the importance of teaching kids media literacy. Ms. Maguire states that there are three key aspects of media literacy that she focuses on with her students, including:
- Understanding news literacy
- Building blocks for research including using databases, determining credible websites, and lateral reading to verify sources
- Ethical use of media including reflecting on personal use of social media and digital citizenship
Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month by joining one of these great author sessions! Click on the image above to register for these amazing events!
Avoid the Summer Slide! Check out the Summer Reading Programs below!
Meet Dana Friedman, Abbot Elementary School Librarian
I grew up in Ann Arbor, and went to Allen Elementary, Tappan Middle School, and Pioneer High School! I went to Albion College and then the School of Information at UofM, where I met fellow AAPS Librarians, Sarah Rentz (Haisley Elementary) and Rachel Goldberg (Wines Elementary)…it’s a small world! I even did my student teaching at Allen with Maggi Rohde (Bryant Elementary). Currently, I live in Brighton with my husband and 3 kids. When I’m not working or reading, I’m usually doing some house project or running.
What inspired me to study library science?
As a kid I loved reading, and my mom used to take me to the library every weekend. When I was in high school, I got a job at the AADL shelving books, and the rest is history! After finishing my degree at Albion, it seemed like a natural progression to get my library science degree. Working with kids and inspiring them to read, or finding a connection in a book is something that has become a passion of mine.
What do you wish everyone realized about the work of a school librarian?
School librarians are invaluable members of the educational community, and our work contributes significantly to student success! I think it's important for everyone to realize that the work of a school librarian goes far beyond just checking out books. We play a crucial role in promoting literacy, supporting academic achievement, and fostering a love of reading and learning among students. We are often curriculum leaders, collaborating with teachers to integrate information literacy skills into classroom instruction. We also curate diverse collections of books and resources to meet the needs and interests of all students. Additionally, we are technology experts, helping students navigate the digital world and develop essential digital literacy skills. Our job is SO important!
What are you reading right now?
Thanks to one of our wonderful building subs, I’m hooked on Kristin Hannah novels. I am in the middle of The Great Alone, and it’s a daily struggle to put it down and go to work!
What are my plans for the summer?
Taking the kids to Chicago, the Wisconsin Dells, and up to our camp in the UP!