Iroquois Middle School Reads!

As our building closure continues, I long for the days of striking up a casual conversation about favorite book titles while browsing the shelves.  However, thanks to the technology afforded to us through Iroquois, our community of readers can still stay connected to discuss favorite book titles!  It just took a little creativity to get the ball rolling.

Every two weeks, students and staff from Iroquois Middle School have been meeting via Microsoft Teams video chat in order to share reading recommendations and anything else of interest.  So far, we have had three chats where dozens of titles have been discussed.

On May 22nd, we will be hosting a special Virtual Book Club meeting on the Library Teams page.  All are welcome to discuss the touching and humorous Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling. The audiobook is available now through Sora!

After each chat, I have been compiling a list of all of the recommended titles from our Iroquois readers.  This keeps my own "to be read" list growing, but thankfully the digital copies of many of these books can be found online through our school's Sora subscription.

Here are the titles from our last three chats.  See any on here that you've read or would like to read?

Book Bistro 2017

One of the most exciting aspects about working in a new school is getting to know all of the staff members in the building.  A perfect way to meet them is to hold an "adults only" event in the library.

Mrs. Griffin, Iroquois Middle School's previous librarian, held an annual Book Bistro.  This was a day where all staff members were invited to the library to preview the new books, eat some delicious treats, enter raffles, and get a jump on holiday shopping.  When I began at Iroquois, staff members were quick to tell me about how fun it was to have the Book Bistro in the library.  This was clearly a tradition that I needed to carry on!

The Book Bistro took place on Thursday, December 7th, 2017.  Upon entering the library, teachers were presented with library resource folders (complete with candy!).  The front of the folder displayed an infographic by Tiffany Whitehead, librarian extraordinaire, which outlined different ways that teachers could collaborate with a school librarian.  Inside the packet were database/streaming video service passwords, as well as MLA 8th edition citation guidelines.

Staff members were encouraged to take a library resource packet.

Each resource packet displayed Tiffany Whitehead's infographic about library collaboration.

Another prominent display that greeted Book Bistro attendees was the display of new books.  Although there hasn't been a large order placed yet, there have been some new titles added to the library.  Many of the titles purchased were student or staff recommendations.

Iroquois Middle's new books for December 2017.

Due to the generosity of Sue Bartle, the Erie 2 BOCES School Library System Director, and many other individuals, there were dozens of raffle items available for staff members to win.  Many of the raffle items included autographed books!

A selection of raffle items.

Games and activity sets were popular raffle items.

Autographed books are always a hit!

There were dozens of raffle items for Book Bistro attendees.

Speaking of Sue Bartle, she brought a fun "make and take" craft for staff members attending the Book Bistro.  Inspired by the holiday season, the completed craft contained the saying "you can't spell gingerbread without READ!"  These crafts were eagerly picked up by teachers who would later share the crafts with their students.

Fun "make and take" crafts from Sue Bartle.

"You can't spell gingerbread without READ!"

Another big draw for the Book Bistro was a chance to get started on some holiday shopping.  An area of the library was set up with wares from Iroquois teachers as well as local vendors.  This was a great way to shop local for the holidays.

There were fun gifts available for purchase at the Book Bistro.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the delicious food that was brought in by the Iroquois Middle School staff members.  I wish I had a picture of the food, but it was GONE!  It's possible that I ate my weight in chicken wing dip during the Book Bistro, but that's a story for another day.

Thank you to everyone (especially Sue Bartle) that helped to make the Book Bistro a great event.  If you're looking for a fun way to relax, get to know other staff members, and promote librarian/teacher collaboration, I highly suggest holding an event like this!  It made for a fun and memorable day.