See activities and pictures of exciting things happening in media centers across Alabama!

Alabama School Libraries Week

Here you will find activities and pictures submitted by media specialists around the state that took place during Alabama School Libraries Week in library media centers.

Susan R. Wills , Media Specialist
R. A. Mitchell Elementary School
Etowah County Schools

Students at R.A. Mitchell Elementary school celebrated Alabama School Library Week by sharing their thoughts on "Why I Love My Library". Third Grade students in Mrs. Wright's class participated in a Skype session with Author Terry Pierce from California.  Terry shared her book "Blackberry Banquet" and students asked questions about being an author.

Robyn Owens, Media Specialist
Wellborn Elementary School
Calhoun County Schools

We have 664 students that participated in the week's activities. The library passed out a bookmarker to the first 200 “customers” on Monday.We did book talks each morning on the broadcast. We did special reading activities on Friday. Our 9 weeks theme was “Reading Is A Treat”.

Mindy Bodenhamer, Media Specialist
Vestavia Hills Elementary School Central
Vestavia Hills City Schools

Vestavia Hills Elementary Central's 4th and 5th graders say "thank you" to school board members and civic leaders as they celebrated Alabama School Library Week. Students expressed reasons they love their school library, each writing and illustrating their personal message. A new book was placed into the library collection in honor of each board member, as well as Superintendent Dr. Jamie Blair and Mayor Alberto "Butch" Zaragoza.

Kathy Craig, Media Specialist
Priceville Elementary School
Morgan County Schools

We had five guest speakers (four of whom are veterans and one who is active duty) during Monday and Tuesday who spoke on behalf of Veteran’s Day.  They served during WWII, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm.  WWII vet Willis (Bill) Hart with his wife Sarah.  He is 87 years old and was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Co.  He was also a member of “The Fly Boys” Crew and is an Honor Flight attendee.  The next guys are Navy vet Derreck Sullivan and Navy serviceman/recruiter Craig Bradley. Two of them have children in our school.  Finally we have our superintendent, Robert Balch, reading to 5^th graders as a guest reader.

Then we had numerous guest readers throughout the four days that included Central Office staff (the superintendent, his secretary, and the department heads of elementary and secondary curriculums), and parents of course.  The following week, we hosted author Diane Z. Shore to wrap up the festivities!

Ellen Nelson, Media Specialist
Cherokee Elementary School
Colbert County Schools

Decorated Doors

CLASSES DECORATED THEIR CLASSROOM DOORS TO ENCOURAGE READING.  THEY WERE JUDGED AND THE TOP THREE CLASSES RECEIVED PRIZES! 

1ST PLACE- $50 FOR THE TEACHER'S ROOM ACCOUNT ****  & FREE ICE CREAM AT LUNCH

2ND PLACE- $30 FOR THE TEACHER'S ROOM ACCOUNT ****  & FREE ICE CREAM AT LUNCH

3RD PLACE- $20 FOR THE TEACHER'S CLASSROOM ACCOUNT **** & FREE ICE CREAM AT LUNCH

READ-A-THON

The class in each grade level that read and earned the most points in each grade level got an ice cream party!

Favorite Character Thursday

*DRESS AS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK**** CHARACTER! (CLIFFORD, JUNIE B., HARRY POTTER)

*Here is a website with suggestions:  http://www.costumzee.com/popular-costume-ideas--any kind of "impersonation" of a character- fiction or non-fiction!

Reading Theatre

Charlotte J. Owen, Media Specialist
Harvest Elementary School
Madison County Schools

Two of our first graders as they wrote/drew their "own wilde thing" after we read "Where the Wild Things Are".

Lynn Swinson, Media Specialist
Loxley Elementary School
Baldwin County Schools

Students at Loxley Elementary School in Baldwin County celebrated Alabama School Library Week by recording all books read during the week. Each student who participated was given a feather to help “dress” our turkey. The books they read during the week were recorded on a log. The total number was then recorded on their feather at the end of the week. Ms. Stewart’s Pre-K class read the most books. Mrs. Hinton’s and Mrs. Grimes’ fifth grade classes had the greatest amount of participation. Ms. Swinson, the media specialist, gave both grades a popcorn party to celebrate.

Cheryl Clark, Media Specialist
Highland Gardens Elementary School
Montgomery County Schools

Special Readers at Highland Gardens Elementary School

Ms. D. Williams, Reading Coach

Mrs. V. Browder, Literacy Coach

Mrs. S. Schmidt, Administrative Assistant

Mrs. S. Bright, Math Coach

Mrs. A. Hernandez, Reading Coach

Mrs. A. James, Principal

Paige Wilcher Craig, Library Media Specialist
Sparkman Middle School
Madison County Schools

We had activities going on at Sparkman Middle School (Grades 6-8) in Madison County all week.  Below is a copy of the email sent to staff:

ALABAMA SCHOOL LIBRARY WEEK

Learning4LifeStarts@yourlibrary

NOVEMBER 9-13, 2009

Students will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite fiction book, hear a Book Talk from Mr. Blair (Principal), play Library Murder Mystery during their weekly library time and compete in a Book Jacket Art contest during this week.  Mrs. Dunnaway (Assistant Principal) will also give two morning novel trivia questions during announcements for daily prizes!

Sparkman Activities and Photos

Karyon Head, Library Media Specialist
L.F. Corley Elementary School
Boaz City Schools

I am participating with my scheduled classes. We have about 322 students. I have printed the Learning4LifeStarts@yourlibrary bookmarks to give to every student. I made a banner to display in our lunchroom and printed the sign from the Web site to post on my doors and in the media center. I also borrowed Billa's idea to pull our books about libraries for a free reading center.

Tywanna Burton
Vestavia West School
Vestavia Hills City Schools

Roger Day Visits Vestavia West in honor of Alabama School Library Week on November 5.

The students, faculty, and parents of Vestavia West had an opportunity to meet Roger Day during Alabama School Library Week and Family Reading Month. Mr. Day promoted self-esteem as he played the guitar/ukelele and shared his songs.

Songwriter/presenter Roger Day. Picture 2 is Ms. Corretti's first grade class.

Interactive songs with students.

Debbie Cox, Media Specialist
Madison Elementary School
Madison City Schools

Click here to view the photostory of Madison Elementary's celebration of AL School Libraries Week.

Annette M. Grube, Media Specialist
Fairhope Middle School
Baldwin County Schools

Let the Battle Begin

Let the battle begin. Do not take out a sword, instead check out a book. Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) and Fairhope Middle School Library present the Battle of the Books. The program promotes recreational reading through a variety of books. The battles are competitions in which participants answer questions about the books. In the spring a huge sea war happens with the book battle. FEEF donated the books for the competition, and they are ready to check out. Gather your gear and come to the ship to meet Captain Grube and her crew. For more details, you may contact Fairhope Middle School Librarian, Mrs. Annette Grube at 928-2573, and you may visit the website at www.battleofthebooks.com.

In no particular order are:

PIC 1: Corey C., Alex G., Parker N., Cynthia N., and  Allie B.

PIC 2: Matt M. and  Lindsey S.

PIC 3: Tyler W. and Spencer J.

We are also working with the Fairhope Public library Youth department in promoting their upcoming events.  We display flyers and give out bookmarks and encourage the students to participate.  We will have information next week to share with our students about their boardgame bazaar being held November 17^th.

Lynn Commander, Media Specialist
Radney Elementary School
Alexander City Schools

Stephanie Smith, Media Specialist
Selma Middle CHAT Academy
Photos by George L. Jones

All students visited the library to check out books. Upon visiting the media center, students received bracelets with "READ" in five languages. Students read and wrote book reports in all English classes. Students were also allowed to bring in overdue books and/or canned goods to have their fines erased. All donations will be provided to the Selma Food Bank's Annual Food Holiday Drive.

Margaret M. Hudson, Media Specialist
Mountain Brook Elementary School
Mountain Brook City Schools

Superintendent Dicky Barlow as celebrity reader for a second grade class.

Representative Paul DeMarco and librarian Margaret Hudson watching students demonstrate how to use the automated Destiny program and how to comment on our Book Blog.

Group at computers: Representative Paul DeMarco, Mtn. Brook Elem. PTO Pres. Susan Hancock, with a sixth grader and two second graders.

MBE Assistant Principal Lisa Walters, library assistant Nonnie Roby, Mtn. Brook Schools District Technology Coordinator Donna Williamson, and MBE second grade teacher Julie Tuck.

Beautiful autumn arrangement and refreshments!

Glenda Davis, Media Specialist
Meadowview Elementary School
Selma City Schools

Alabama School Library week was celebrated in several ways at Meadowview Elementary School in Selma, Alabama.  Students in Grades 3 - 5 were asked to write about the importance of school libraries.
 
School libraries are important because they provide books for kids. School libraries give information about different things. School libraries help the reading program. The school library inspires students to read and provides time for reading enjoyment. That is why school libraries are important.           --Daniel, age 9
 
School libraries are important because they provide books for students. They also provide ways to access information. They support the reading program and encourage literacy. They inspire kids to read and provide time for reading enjoyment. That is why school libraries are important.                 --Claudia, age 9

In addition, The library hosted a school luncheon for the top two readers in each class for the last six weeks. Honored students sat at a special table in the cafeteria, got to sign the cloth of winners, and had a special cake for dessert.

Irene Bush Jones, Media Specialist
Berry Middle School
Hoover City Schools

Karla G., Austin R., and Sawyer S. are three of our student Library Aides at Berry Middle School.  They are encouraging students to come to the Media Center during “National Library Week” and check out books.

Rita A. Parikh, Media Specialist
Selma High School
Selma City Schools

Activities used during the week.

Mrs. Ehlers' Students participating in scavanger hunt during  Alabama School Library Week

Clue#1: I LOOOOOOOOVE to read--It's my favorite thing to do. When I am bored, I read. When everyone else is playing video games, I read. When I am in Miss Ehlers' class, I wish I were reading. Where would you find me?

Taken October 6, 2009--Madame Marie France Orliange, a  retired English teacher from France, visited Selma High Library. She gave a presentation on the history, culture  and especially, on student life of France to the house full of students in the library.

Taken on November 12, 2009 AL School Library Week--Students were working on AVL quizzes (quizzes) to win the prizes during AL School Library Week celebration.

Taken on November 6, 2009--Selma City School Librarians met during their Librarians' Monthly Meeting/elluminate/workshop at Selma High School Library.

Earon B. Serra, Media Specialist
Hankins Middle School
Mobile County Schools

Video used by our school during Alabama School Libraries Week.

Linda Sears, Media Specialist
Oak Mountain Intermediate School
Shelby County Schools

Oak Mountain Intermediate School, Birmingham, AL, celebrated Alabama School Libraries Week with a contest inviting students to share their knowledge of the school’s Library Media Center.  Prizes included a 39 Clues Backpack donated by Scholastic Book Fairs, various books and computer games.  Pictured above are the winners: (L—R, front row:  Brandon W., Dalton S., Joshua H.; Back row:  Thomas P., Lane S.).

Here are my activities which anyone is welcome to copy, but please change the photos to your own students.

It's just a short quiz set of 4 different ones.  Correct answers go into a drawing for a 39 Clues backpack, some different books, computer programs, etc., that I have collected.

Signs go around the school.

Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Quiz 3
Quiz 4

Sign 1
Sign 2

Debbie Williams, Media Specialist
Smith Station Intermediate School
Lee County Schools

Smiths Station Intermediate School in Lee County, Alabama, just completed celebrating International School Library Month. Our school was paired with Richard Secord School in Edmonton, Alberta, and with Lam Tin Methodist Primary School in Hong Kong.  Our students researched and made class posters of the two other areas, and also completed 1,500 bookmarks to be exchanged with the partner schools. We  mailed packages containing a map of Alabama, tourist information brochures, an Alabama poster, and a copy of the book Y is for Yellowhammer, an ABC book of our state. This is our 4th year of participating in this activity and as before it was a great learning experience.

Below are some pictures of our students with their completed posters.

Myra Austin, Media Specialist
Williams Avenue Elementary School
Ft. Payne City Schools

Since we have a fixed schedule we celebrated by increasing our OPEN library time to every day for an extra hour.  The students had library passes to come into the library to explore the Veterans' Day items that were on display and check out library books. Each received a bookmark that eExplored the Dewey Decimal books.  We had long lines at the circulation desk!! Thanks for celebrating our Alabama School Libraries.

Laura Lott, Media Specialist
Tallassee Elementary School
Tallassee City Schools

Here are some pictures of teachers at Tallassee Elementary School dressed as their favorite book character to celebrate Alabama School Library Week.

Leah Ayers, Media Specialist
Vestavia Hills Elementary East School
Vestavia City Schools

In celebration of Alabama School Libraries Week, the Vestavia Hills Elementary East Library Media Center hosted an Edible Book Contest to promote favorite books. Our parents and children were very creative. To see all the entries click here.

Penguin Cake and Penguin Marshmallows representing 365 Penguins

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs cake

Fly Guy donut creation

Pinkalicious Cupcake Cake

Musician Roger Day with Vestavia first graders celebrating AL School Libraries Week.

Musician Roger Day, LMS Leah Ayers, and winners of "Lunch with Roger Day" drawing.

Author Diane Z. Shore with winners of "Lunch with the Author".

Chelsea Bass, Media Specialist
Carver Elementary School
Montgomery County Schools

Local author, Maxine Ervin, reading her published books to 2nd grade students in Carver Elementary School's media center.

Roxann DeFoor and Leah Hembree, Media Specialist
East Lawrence Middle and High Schools
Lawrence County Schools

East Lawrence Middle and East Lawrence High Schools collaborate to celebrate the first annual Alabama School Libraries Week.

East Lawrence Middle School librarian, Roxann DeFoor and East Lawrence High School librarian, Leah Hembree worked together to coordinate a week of reading to celebrate Alabama School Libraries Week.


Mrs. DeFoor invited Mrs. Hembree’s cheerleading squad to read to the middle school classes each day. The cheerleading squad began a “CheeReader” chapter at their school this year and has read to a fourth grade class each week.


The cheerleaders created bookmarks especially for the middle school students. Mrs. DeFoor and Mrs. Hembree plan a similar collaborative effort to celebrate The Big Read in Spring 2010.

Carri Hamiter, Media Specialist
Alexander City Middle School
Alexander City Schools

The kids were excited about reading and really excited about the drawing for the goody basket and having their reviews and photos on a bulletin board. Here is a PowerPoint of our activities for the week.

Steve Latham, Media Specialist
Shelby County High School
Shelby County Schools

Approximately sixty students, parents, community members, and faculty members gathered in and around the atrium of the Shelby County High School Library Media Center for the second annual “Evening of Readings,” a celebration of the written word, on the evening of November 16, 2009. The event was coordinated by English teacher Chris Baker and library media specialist Steve Latham and was part of the school’s recognition of Alabama School Libraries Week.

Featured student readers were sophomore Laurel C. and freshmen Najah H., and Johnna K. who read original poetry and excerpts from original short stories.

Mr. Baker presented awards to the school-level winners of the To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Contest sponsored by The University of Alabama. Parker O., freshman, was the winner for the Grade 9-10 category, and Greg G., senior, was the winner for the Grade 11-12 category. Senior Kinna M. was the overall school winner; as a result, Kinna’s essay will be submitted for competition at the state level, and she will be recognized at a luncheon awards ceremony at UA in January.

Loretta Cobb, a Shelby County author whose short story collection The Ocean was Salt was published in 2004, was the guest speaker for the evening. Mrs. Cobb, who is also founder and director emeritus of the Harbert Writing Center at the University of Montevallo, read an excerpt from a narrative she is currently writing. During her interactive presentation, Mrs. Cobb discussed with the students her dilemma as to whether to direct her focus toward making the narrative a children's book or a chapter book. In addition, she asked for audience suggestions and responses to the piece. Mrs. Cobb concluded her remarks by discussing the circular nature of the writing/revising process and how important it is for writing to be a community process in which writers provide peer review for each other.

Carol Pace, Media Specialist
Wilson High School
Lauderdale County Schools

Here is a Photostory project about our ASLW celebration here in the high school media center.

Janice Gundersen, Media Specialist
Central School
Lauderdale County Schools

We had a visiting author, Dalen Keys and held a Scholastic Book Fair.

Clarence S. Hamilton, Jr., Media Specialist
Washington Middle School
Mobile County Schools

LMW Banner with students and books.

Hat Day and LMW with staff: Clarence Hamilton, Librarian, Mrs. P. Griffin, Language Arts, Ms. P. Randel, ReTrak; Mr. Douglas July, Principal and Mrs. K. Buford FACS Instructor

Students browsing new books display with Mrs. Ethel Grayson of the Foster Grandparents Program.