National Library Week

Celebrate National Library Week April 10-16, 2011

B.O.O.K (Body of Organized Knowledge)

When we think of a library we usually think of books. But today’s libraries offer so much more. Students can gain access to the Internet what will open up infinite possibilities to explore and obtain information, much more than any school library could ever hope to hold.  Libraries often subscribe to periodicals when students can read about other points of view, see pictures of people and places from around the globe.

National Library Week, sponsored nationally by the American Library Association, is a great opportunity to arrange for a class trip to your school library or your community library. It is adventure when students can read the great classics (Mark Twain, Shakespeare) or read about the latest interest sites and games. Perhaps they can obtain a CD that will help them learn a new language. Books can expand the horizons of students, challenge their intellectual capabilities.

Students can also get an opportunity to learn what a fantastic resource a librarian can.  She or he is not just a resource for the sources for your next term paper or book report.

Suggested Activities:

§  Great opportunity for a Read- A- Thon.

§  Have students dress up as their favorite literary character.

§   Hold library trivia contest.

§  Scavenger hunt (Who can find the oldest book in the library, the most books by one author).

§  Invite a local author to speak about their work and what it takes to write a book.

§  Have students “write and publish” a book and donate it to the library.

Libraries are in integral part of any school’s curriculum and community libraries should be a focal point of a town. They can provide outreach services such as assistance with a career search, getting into college, and tax preparation information.

Get involved! Happy National Library Week!