Greetings from the library! Now that we are at the end of the first quarter, we wanted to make you aware of what’s happening in the WMS library and of the following resources and services that are available.
Public Library Cards:
Do students need their own public library card? Yes! Having one will allow them to access many online resources such as databases, Libby, Hoopla, and more! A physical card will also allow them to check out books or request books through interlibrary loan. Sign up online here, or visit the Weston Public Library. Any MA resident can also sign up for a Boston Public Library card.
What Resources do students have access to?
- two highly-trained and helpful professionals ;-)
- printers
- online resources
- databases and newspapers
- books for independent reading and research
- games
- A *new* craft corner—October was origami, and this month is a classic—hand turkekys!
New books and collections
Looking for a book to read? You can browse new books and collections in person or online. In September and October we celebrated the right to read, Hispanic Heritage Month and scary stories. This month we will be featuring titles related to Native American Heritage.
November Library Events
Native American Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month celebrates the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities to ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. Check out our display in the library this month. Everyone who checks out an “Indigenous Read” will also be eligible for our raffle! Stop by the library for more details and to enter.
International Games Month
International Games Month is an initiative to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games. Check out this link if you'd like some game ideas!
Library Passes
Students are welcome to come to the library during study halls or during lunch. See Ms. Maruskin or Mrs. Barry if you'd like a pass—designed by our MS book club members—for use during these times.
Thanks for reading, and we look forward to seeing you in the library!
Mrs. Barry & Ms. Maruskin
We’re thrilled to start 2025 with exciting new initiatives and opportunities for students, staff, and families. Read on to learn about Beanstack, a bookmark contest, and some great winter reads.
Introducing Beanstack: Track Your Reading and Reach New Goals!
We’re excited to announce the launch of Beanstack, our new online reading tool designed to encourage and celebrate reading at both school and home.
What is Beanstack?
Beanstack is a web and mobile app that helps track independent reading time, providing students and staff with engaging challenges and opportunities to build a culture of reading. Easily accessible through ClassLink, the app is also available for download on your mobile devices to make logging minutes a breeze.
Why Use Beanstack?
Motivation through Data—Beanstack’s user-friendly interface uses data-driven strategies to inspire consistent reading habits.
School-Wide Participation—Our goal is to encourage a shared love for reading across our community, with every minute logged bringing us closer to our collective goal of 135,000 minutes!
First
Challenges
Student Challenge: Runs from January 3-31. Try to read for 10 minutes a day and compete to see who can read the most this month! There will be prizes. :-)
Staff Wellness Challenge: Runs from January 1 - March 31. Stretch your reading skills and explore new genres, or specific types of books. Read new books to earn Bingo and enter a drawing for a boatload of Wellness Bucks!
Together, we can create a fun and supportive environment that celebrates the joy of reading. Please reach out to Mrs. Barry, Secondary Schools Librarian, or Greg Tacconi-Moore, Literacy Interventionist, with any questions.
Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) Bookmark Contest: Find Your Path in the Library
The MSLA Bookmark Contest is here, and this year’s theme is "Find Your Path in the Library." This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your school library program by designing a bookmark showing activities, lessons, resources, and/or experiences your school library and librarian provide that show how you find your path in the library.
Here are some ideas to help you think about what to include in your bookmark:
Submission Details: Visit the contest page for more information: MSLA Bookmark Contest.
WINNERS! Winners will be announced at the MSLA Conference in March.
Contest prizes include:
Good luck and have fun!
January Holidays
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, the library is featuring a special collection of books highlighting Dr. King’s legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Stop by to explore powerful stories that inspire courage, equality, and justice. Also, this blog post from the Library of Congress has some excellent resources to explore the history and traditions of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with students.
Lunar New Year: Welcoming the Year of the Snake
Lunar New Year begins on January 29, and a Chinese New Year Celebration will take place at Weston High School on Saturday, January 26. This event is proudly organized and hosted by the Weston Public Schools Mandarin Classes and the Little Helping Hands Club, with invaluable support from the WPS administration, and both current and former WPS families. (See this post for details).
Winter Reads: Recently Added Books & Award Winners
Looking for your next great read? Check out our latest additions to the library collection: Recently Added Books. Browse online or visit the library to find a cozy, winter read. January is also awards month! Every year the American Library Association (ALA) announces the top books, digital media, video, and audiobooks for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards. A complete list of the 2025 award winners can be found here. We also have many award-winners on display in the library this month.
Thank you for supporting our library initiatives! We’re looking forward to a fantastic year filled with reading, creativity, and community engagement. Be sure to log those reading minutes!
Mrs. Barry & Ms. Maruskin
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