Book Review- The Orphan's Song

 I have been reading quite regularly since school is out. I just finished The Orphans Song by Lauren Kate. She is a YA  author - I will check at school to see what / if we have any of hers. My Public library did not - which was surprising since the book jacket said they were excellent.  This is a historical fiction  which was right up my alley,
  Violetta  and  Mino meet on the roof of the Orphanage ( run by nuns) . Their musical talent draws them together and they spend hours with Violetta singing and Mino playing his violin. Each week they grow closer. and closer,
 When Mino is ready for his apprenticeship  , he declares his love for Violetta. But Violetta does not think she can leave her church singing when she is close to being asked to join the special choir of talented singers
Mino, in search  of his mother, goes out into Venice , distraught over losing his mother and Violetta,   Eventually he finds a wife who bears him a child. He begins to develop his Violin repair business, Violetta continues to sing . But she begins  secret nightlife of singing out side the church, which is forbidden.
 Neither Violetta or Mino really finds what they looking for,  An odd  relationship  that develops for Violetta which  finally brings about a interesting and satisfying conclusion,
  I couldn't stop reading this- excellent book. I want to look for more of Lauren Kate's work.

Budget Work for the Library

   This year I had to really streamline the way I kept track of my allocated funds. In the past I had done an excel  or google spread sheet to keep track . By doing this I knew I was accurate in what  I had spent and what I had left.
   But this year I went back to just doing paper based budget because I did not have time or patience to do the spread sheet. So staring with my beginning totals, I would just list and subtract  orders (both supply and books ) as I went along.I had a total as I went along. I could keep a running track of how much I had spent and what was left.  This is important to do as they year goes along.

Book Review & Orders

    This year I used my system outlined  in my book "The Organized Librarian"( See info on book page for ordering).  This helps me keep track of reviews that I read, and what books I ordered. This is a simple sheet that I use as I read in my journals and check on Amazon / Junior Library Guild. ( Those are the two vendors I like to use)
   I list the reviews from the starred reviews and the reviews that have been read. This helps me keep track of what  I have read. When I got to place an order, I take a sheet and can quickly place an order . I then note what has been ordered. We check the shelves and the  catalog  before finalizing the order to avoid duplicates.
  This makes ordering  so much easier!!

Summer Vacation

   Yesterday was the first day of summer Vacation. Actually I was able to get everything accomplished - the basics  before the last day of school. We had 4 half days for students . So I got my grades done  and my summer reading list for the website.
And I got my budget finalized and did not lose any funds.
     The end of year items were also completed. We did not do inventory this year. I had planned to do it in September  but 2 weeks before school , they dropped the bomb that I was to have  5 classes per day plus a study hall. So the year was done on a minimal basis.
     So now I am focused on relaxing, catching up on house work, writing , and of course reading!

'Tidying Up' the School Library- SLJ

     I am finally catching up on my reading- yes this year I am Way Way  behind!!   I actually did this quite a few years ago when my school and library were being renovated from a Middle school to an Elementary school. In my office We shoved every thing( supplies) willy nilly  into boxes when we were packing! When we got into the renovated space and it was the beginning of the year, we just shoved the boxes into brand new cabinets. ( It was a big office with even a bathroom!)
   But then of course , I did not know where anything was! So I dumped boxes into the center of the room and began to organized everything!  And put supplies away, And mark the cabinets,  And labeled every drawer, and cabinet  so I knew where everything was and how much I had! And I did make a map so that I could glance at the map to help me find what I was looking for!
    Read this article  & check out my article on organizing your supplies in The Organized Librarian!
See info above for ordering or check out Amazon.

Library Bulletin Boards - April

 It 's time again to start thinking about April!   I like to always think ahead! Some ideas for your bulletin boards! Adapt them to your needs and space!

     I've got a poem in my pocket!-- pockets with poems typed stuck in- these can be changed  weekly. Or let  students put in their  favorite poems.

     Get Graphic@ the Library!  Scan covers of some of your Graphic Novels and put on a colorful Bulletin Board.

      Get Hooked on  Books!- Fishing line with book titles or covers along the line.

( Fishing for a good Book)

     Spring into Reading with Great Books

      Sports Stories

      It's Raining Books- Put an umbrella in the corner of the bulletin board. Then place large blue and grey raindrops with book titles on them.( Again let students put up their favorites.

     April showers bring great books! ( Similar to above idea)

National Humor Month

School Library Month

DEAR- Drop Everything and Read

February Bulletin boards for Libraries

   I've been floating through  January but now it is time to think about February and what to do about the bulletin boards.   Here are some ideas :

We love to Read!- Give pink or red hearts  to students and have the write their favorite books. Students can write I Love...   and give the title and their name. Place on BB with letters of slogan on top in black letters - Can use a light background and heart /scallop edges.

Black History Month- Place pictures of famous African Americans. You can number them, Give some clues under each one. Students can use references or online sources to find out . Students can give guesses in to you- At the end of the month, place names under each one.

Tech tie in- Tweet a sweet Book! Give students an enlarged note. Place a cute bird on each side of the BB- Students can write their favorite titles on each note and then placed on the BB.

Presidents Day- You  can do this similar to Black History Month.( Use presidents that students do not know) Or you could place some presidents  and have students find little know facts on each person.

Fiction to Film: Scan covers of books that you have in your library that have been made into movies.  Place the slogan in the middle and the covers around. A slogan to add  would be: Have you read these?