What is a Primary Source?

My last post was in June.  Says it all... doesn't it?  Let's face it.  My blog has never been more sad than over the past 6 months.  Not a post, not a comment, not even a thought to energize it and bring it to life.  So here we are in December and I'm finally getting back to it.  A lot has happened in the last 6 months. I went from being the librarian, to being the librarian, building technology... (not sure what my title actually is), and English department chair.  Don't get me wrong.  I like to be busy and feel that I'm being productive.  But my lack of attention paid to this blog clearly indicates that my daily routine has gotten significantly more full of responsibility, and I LOVE IT!   I have had many days when a subject for a blog post surfaced, but the minutes just weren't there to actually sit and put it in print.  Maybe today marks the turning of a corner?  We'll see.  As for now, a few ramblings.

It's coming!  Or perhaps I should say, it's here.  The big CC!  The Common Core.  With these new standards comes a lot of responsibility for educators to provide students with access to quality resources, teaching practices, and learning environments.  Increased attention is being paid to utilizing primary source materials to help students think critically and make connections.  So, when I had a teacher ask me what a primary source is, I almost fell over. Call me crazy, but I figured everyone knows what a primary source is. After regaining my composure, I provided a basic definition and some well-known examples.  Following this small teachable moment, I reflected on the idea that not everyone does know what a primary source is, nor do they know how to find them.  

In the spirit of the CC and primary sources, here is a brief lesson:


The Library of Congress is a great resource for learning about primary sources.  Did I mention that I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE LOC!  It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  More on that in another post.  Anyway... I love the LOC's definition for primary sources.  Short, sweet, and easily understood.  Here it is,

"Primary sources are the raw materials of history — original documents and objects which were created at the time under study. They are different from secondary sources, accounts or interpretations of events created by someone without firsthand experience."   See - http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/.

Got it?  If not, how about this?

Primary sources are "things" we can read, look at, hold, admire, talk about that are original to the time period in which they were created.  For example:  The Declaration of Independence is a PRIMARY SOURCE!  It is the original founding document of our great nation's freedom.  Anything written about the Dec. of Ind. is NOT A PRIMARY SOURCE.

PRIMARY SOURCE

SECONDARY SOURCE

Hopefully, these examples clarify the meaning of a primary source.  For additional information, visit: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/index.html.

Oh, Where oh Where Have My Blog Posts Gone?

I'm back!  Ok, let's face it... I haven't been as faithful to my blog as I truly would like.  I don't dare look back at the last school year to count my number of posts.  I already know the number fits on one hand.  Shameful.

So what's been going on since January?  Too much to mention in a single post.  Let's just say that I believe I'm in what most intelligent people call a state of denial.  Flash back a year and you can find me happily establishing myself as the new librarian in the school for which I once was a student, followed by being an English teacher for the past 10 years.  I hit the ground running, helping to modernize the library, engage students, and convert the thinking of my colleagues. Fast forward to April when retirements were announced.  No, I'm not close to retirement.  However, several of my colleagues announced they were ready, and with that... my responsibilities and routine were set into a tailspin.

I'll spare the details.  Suffice it to say that I'll be a bit busier this school year.  In addition to all of the exciting plans I have swirling in my mind for the library, I'll be hard at work serving the technology needs of the building as well.  It's going to be hectic, crazy, invigorating, and fun.

More posts to come this summer!

State of the Library 2011

It's that time of year again to reflect on the state of the library in 2011.  It was a busy year that saw a lot of growth and change occur to the library.  Yes, I said growth despite dwindling staff and budget!  I figure it's all about making do with what you have.  Ok, not just making do... making great. 

1. January 2011 was an exciting time in the library as we hosted our first annual Poetry Out Loud competition. The event was supported by 24 student participants and over 70 audience members. It was a fantastic night of poetry recitation, delightful snacks, and artistic celebration.
2. In honor of National Poetry Month, April was dedicated to the reading, reciting, and artistically depicting poetry.  A poem-a-day was posted to the ELCOHSLIBRARY Twitter feed as well as on the library wiki.  Students and visitors to the library could help themselves to Pocket Poems found hanging from the branches of our mini poetry trees placed throughout the library.  We also created a virtual gallery as well as an in-house gallery of FREE VERSE PROJECT participant work.  Students were asked to choose a verse of poetry and represent the verse using photography.  
3. Through the generosity of individuals wanting to make a difference in education, we were fortunate to have our first Donors Choose project fully funded.  This project allowed for 2 Kodak Flip Video Cameras to be cataloged and circulated for student use.  Check out our current Donors Choose project HERE!  Please consider donating to this wonderful project and support our students and the love of reading.
4. The library experienced a mini-makeover that has had a powerful impact on the climate of the room.  Two large rows of bookshelves were removed in order to expose the beautiful picture window located at the front of the library.  Where did all of the books go?  They were simply consolidated into the remaining bookshelves!  While it was quite the task to physically re-shelve almost 2000 books, the result is well worth it!  An additional seating area and coffee table were added to create another space for reading and relaxation.  The light that now enters the library creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5.  2 new database subscriptions were purchased in order to provide students with access to better, more reliable content for research and projects.  ProQuest eLibrary and SIRS Issues Researcher have allowed students to make better informed decisions about the types of research material they view and use.  The quality of research has improved as students recognize differences between a variety of sources.
6. Collaboration with teachers continues to increase as does library usage.  More and more teachers and students are utilizing the library for various needs, making it a hub for learning, reading, researching, and communicating.
7. In September, the library went dark as we recognized and supported Banned Books Week.  This week serves to remind us of the pitfalls associated with censorship and celebrates our freedom to read.
8. The library served as the backdrop for Mrs. Sara Velazquez's students as they conducted their "Ugly Fashion Show".  Runway, spotlights, and music served to highlight the students as they demonstrated their use of Spanish vocabulary and strutted their incredible styles on the catwalk!
9. Student created book trailers were added to the library wiki in order to make reading selections a little bit more exciting and a lot more simple.  The book trailer initiative called for students to read a book and create a 1 minute book trailer using a web 2.0 movie maker.  All books are now tagged with a QR code linking patrons directly to the trailer for each book.  Not sure what book to select next?  Scan the QR code on the book and watch the trailer to see if it's the book for you!
10. More and more resources become available on a daily basis. Keeping track of them all can be daunting.  In order to fuel student creativity and expand their horizons into the world of technology tools, a brand new tool allows students to review various web 2.0 tools with the simple click of a button.  Visit ELCOHSLIBRARY PEARLTREES to see what tools will work for you!
11. The library went social in 2011, utilizing the popular social networking tool Twitter.  The library feed is used to update students on current library happenings, share new resources, and develop a direct line of communication with all patrons.  Follow ELCOHSLIBRARY on Twitter for the most up-to-date library information.
12. The ELCO High School Library now provides access to resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!  Yep!  You can now conduct research from any room in the building, the comfort of your own home, or while standing on a street corner!  EXCITING STUFF!  All you have to do is visit the ELCO LIBRARY WIKI for access points to databases, online materials, and a variety of other resources.  

As you can see, the library is a thriving hot spot of activity with many more exciting plans for 2012.  Stay tuned for future posts about library events, new resources, and new books.  And remember... the library is the heart of the high school, so 

LOVE YOUR LIBRARY!

Dragging My Feet

Usually when it comes to technology, I'm not the person making excuses for why something won't work, complaining about why I don't have time to be bothered, or shuddering at the constant need to keep up with change.  On the contrary, I am quite the opposite of said behaviors.  If something isn't working the way I believe it is supposed to work, I find a way.  I stay up late (too late) investigating all of the new resources popping up each day.  I LOVE the evolution of technology and seek out the newest tools and updates.  

SO WHY AM I FINDING IT SO DIFFICULT TO GET MOVING WITH EBOOKS?

Truly, what is the issue?  I wish I knew!  The Nooks are charged, barcoded, and ready for action.  People are waiting to check them out.  And yet... I'm dragging my feet.  I wish I could say that it was difficult to download books - it's not.  I wish I could say that nobody is interested in reading ebooks - they are.  I wish I could say... I can't come up with one good reason why I haven't set the Nooks free.


I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions and don't make them in my personal life.  However, professionally, an intervention is needed.  Therefore, I resolve to jump feet first into downloading high interest ebooks and circulating the Nooks.


I have set a goal to have the 5 Library Nooks ready for circulation by the start of the new semester.  This deadline gives me approximately 2 weeks to get my act together and embrace the ebook revolution.

HOLD ME TO IT, PEOPLE!  Don't let me off the hook!

Can you believe it's the final week of school before Christmas break?  Where has the time gone?  It hit me this morning when I realized that our Poetry Out Loud competition is only 3 weeks away.  I have been hearing bits and pieces about students practicing and preparing for their recitations.  I'm very excited to see what great performances are delivered.  Last year's event was such a success!  I hope this year's competition is just as fantastic!

Here are some highlights to anticipate:

• AWESOME STUDENT RECITATIONS!
• Great poetry!
• Yummy snacks!
• Eclectic music!
• A cool vibe!

Don't miss out on a great night of poetry and culture!  

You still have time to register.  Registration forms are available in the library and on the library wiki.  Return your form to me in the library by Friday!  You can also come and support the performers if participating isn't your thing!

Thursday, January 5

6:30 pm

High School Library!

The Flying V

It's that time of year when the birds are flying south for the winter.  The classic flying V formation of the migration to warmer climates has inspired me to consider my own sort of migration.  No, I'm not planning on leaving the brisk winter season of Central PA.  But I am contemplating moving my blog to a new blog host and the library wiki to a different platform all together.  What's the big deal, you might ask?  Well, I've spent a lot of time developing the wiki for my library.  Hours have been dedicated to designing, redesigning, adding, deleting, moving, and editing content.  I finally have it to the point (after a year and a half) in which I can actually whisper that I might just like the way it looks and what it has to offer to the school community.  So why change what doesn't appear to be broken?  That's the question I asked a group of REALLY SMART PEOPLE!  And now I find myself pondering the idea of a big migration which would lead me away from wiki world into a new world of content curation.  As for my blog - BORING!  I'm not happy with its design and want to make a more concerted effort at faithfully posting my musings and ramblings.  

Ok, you're probably still deliberating over my bird flying south analogy.  Stay with me... it's all about the flying V!  Remember learning about why the birds fly in the V?  To keep it simple, it's just plain easier to make the trip together rather than go it alone.  There it is, folks.  My connection.  I have discovered that being an educator is much easier when collaborating with others rather than trying to figure everything out on my own.  

Flashback... I said I posed a question to a group of REALLY SMART PEOPLE.  I asked my fellow librarians in this great state of PA for their insight and was thrilled to have so many of them respond with exceptional information.   I immediately realized that I am part of a wonderful network of people who are REALLY SMART!  These librarians make my daily life as a librarian so much easier because they are willing to share what they know and help each other out whenever the need arises.

So... will I migrate to a new blog?  Will I migrate from a wiki to another resource?  I'm not quite sure yet. But what I do know is that I'm "flying in a V" with some really great people who make these decisions a little bit easier to navigate!

A Thankful Librarian

It's almost here... Thanksgiving break!  I have so much to be thankful for in my personal life, but what about professionally?  Yep, professionally as well.  I LOVE WHAT I DO!  Growing up, I never imagined myself as a librarian.  I ALWAYS had the career goal of being an English teacher.  For 11 years, I taught English in the traditional sense of literature and writing.  When I transitioned to the library last year, I feared I would lose touch with the very things that I loved the most about my subject area... sharing great pieces of literature and developing the skills of young writers. Thankfully, I still have the opportunity, on a daily basis, to share with students elements of literature and to assist students in growing as writers.  In addition, there are so many other reasons to be thankful.

• I am thankful for my colleagues who support my efforts to bring 21st century learning to our students.
• I am thankful for the students who have discovered the library and realize it is a welcoming environment with many resources available to them.
• I am thankful for abundance of free resources available that make building a 21st century library possible despite difficult economic times.
• I am thankful for my PLN that continually inspires me to continue to strive for change and advancement in the library and the way we educate our students.
• I am thankful for the opportunity to do what I love!

In this season of giving thanks, what are you thankful for?

About 2 months ago, I began a new venture called The Friday Find.  I wanted a simply way to share all of the wonderful tools that are shared with me through my PLN and other resources. 

I decided to create a wikispace for the sole purpose of  posting and linking web 2.0 resources.  The design of the wiki is simplistic - intentionally so.  I want to give people a fighting chance when evaluating new tools.  So often, I venture onto websites that contain hundreds of links to new tools.  For someone who counts every minute of each day, these types of websites can be overwhelming and defeating.  The Friday Find is organized by posting date. Each resource is linked for easy access.  And only 3 resources are posted each week.  Why 3?  3 seems to be  a reasonable amount when attempting to quickly assess the usefulness of a resource.  As mentioned earlier, many sites boast about having lists of the 50 newest tools, or the 100 best apps, or the 30 greatest resources...   Agh!  Too much, too much, too much.  Most teachers are only looking for one or two great tools to be incorporated into a unit / marking period / semester.  I want to encourage the use of new tools, so 3 it is!

The Friday Find includes resources to be used for a variety of purposes.  Some of the resources are new on the web 2.0 scene while others are oldies but goodies.  All of the tools are ones that I have taken the time to test and evaluate (using my judgement - not predetermined criteria).  There is no sense in posting a tool that is glitchy or destined to send a user down a path of failure.  It is my goal to share great tools that others will find useful. 

If you are looking for a great new tool or are simply curious... visit The Friday Find!

Not Mine...YOURS!

Yesterday, while hectic and crazy, was one of the best days I've had in the library this year.  Every period was filled with research, collaboration, projects, and a great deal of productivity.  And yet, my absolute favorite part of the entire day was watching the faces of students when they realized that all of the new book purchases came from their recommendations lists.  To see their eyes light up as they saw the names of authors they love and the titles of books from series they enjoy, validated everything I strive to do in the library.  More importantly, the students now feel a sense of ownership for their library.  I LOVE IT!

It's important to give our students opportunities to take the lead and make decisions.  I know... giving up control is difficult, but absolutely necessary if we truly want to prepare our students for the world that awaits them when they leave the safety of our schools.  No amount of promotional paraphernalia can produce the results that I saw from the students when they realized their voices had been heard and their choices mattered.  Isn't this what education is supposed to be about?

Not only does our library have new and exciting titles specifically recommended/requested by students, but also the students now see the library as theirs, not mine.  It's a great day to be in the library.  Come check it out!

Where to Begin?

There has been so much going on in the library the past few weeks, I find myself neglecting my blogging - yet again! Ok, so I need to be more dedicated to documenting life in the library. This is proving to be more difficult than originally planned. In an effort to bring this little blog up to speed, this post is dedicated to documenting the exciting new changes that occurred in September.

1. The library is a hoppin' place! The September calendar was jam packed with teachers bringing classes to work on projects, conduct research, and learn about the library. It was fantastic to see computers buzzing, collaboration between students, and teachers willing to take that leap of faith to try something new! Lunch to library passes also increased library usage by allowing students to bring their lunch to the library and enjoy time to socialize, do work, or simply enjoy a nice spot away from the chaos of the cafeteria.

2. New fiction titles were added to the catalog and went on display. Many of the titles were checked out or are currently out on loan. This is a great thing! KEEP READING, ELCO!

3. Our Donors Choose items were delivered and are ready for circulation. How exciting that students now have the ability to easily capture video footage and import it without the hassle of any cables, chargers, or tapes.  Checkout this little lovely.  I didn't specifically order red, but how fun is this color!

4.  Banned Books week was celebrated with multiple displays of books that have been challenged or banned for a variety of reasons.  How sad that censorship is still an issue!  FREE TO READ!  Celebrate this freedom by choosing to read!

5.  Databases are now available for student use at home.  Logins and passwords are available for any student who would like to take advantage of using our Ebsco and ProQuest databases at home.  See me for this information!

6.  Transformations to the library wiki are constantly occurring and continue to make the wiki a great resource for students (at least I think so).  I'm still working on a glitchy Twitter gadget, but otherwise, things seem to be working smoothly.  I'm particularly excited about the new tool being used to share valuable Web 2.0 resources.  I came across PearlTrees and am very excited to have transferred all links to ELCOHSLIBRARY PearlTrees.

7.  The Friday Find is a new wiki that I started as means for sharing resources that I discover over the course of a week.  While some of the resources are not new to the techie world, they are worth posting and sharing.  I hope that all who visit The Friday Find will discover some great tools to incorporate into projects and curriculum.

8.  K-cups and Treats officially began today!  I'm so excited to be able to offer the use of a Keurig to our students.  Today's sale of coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies was a huge success.  Thanks so much to the Renaissance program for supporting the purchase of the Keurig.  Based on the overwhelming student response, we will continue to offer K-cups and seasonal treats for student purchase EVERY MONDAY MORNING.  Why Mondays?  Monday mornings are high traffic times for the library as students visit to select new books or renew their reads for Reading Across the Curriculum.  All money raised will be used to replenish supplies as well as purchase new fiction titles to update our collection.

So... what is on tap for October?  Well, I'm still working on processing the 5 Nooks.  I was really hoping to have these ready to go for the start of the school year.  Oh well.  Better late than never!  Stay tuned for an official announcement that the Nooks are ready for checkout.  I'm also working on some collaborations with teachers for exciting projects to end the first marking period.  I love that the library is a busy place.  I hope that others love it too!

Until next time...

Too Much To Say...

It's September 19th, 3 weeks into the new school year, and I find that I haven't written a blog post since June.  Well, this isn't entirely true.  I was writing a lot of blog posts for my graduate courses.  I just wasn't posting here.  I apologize for my neglect.  However, it's me that I feel really sorry for...  Since I haven't posted in over 3 months, I now have so much to say that it's stressing me out.  Seriously.  How do I meld together the variety of topics that I want to share without risking my credibility as an English teacher?  Biggest pet peeve with student writing:  random topics with no connection to thesis or each other for that matter.  I've decided that it's just not possible or practical to try and incorporate all that I've learned, discovered, explored, and evaluated over the summer into this one blog post.  So, where to go from here?  I guess the easiest place to start is with the present.

My focus for the last few weeks has been on library promotion.  I WANT YOU IN THE LIBRARY!  But how do I get you here?  I find myself still battling the stereotype that a library is a quiet, rule stricken room, policed by the batty old librarian.  Most students, and sadly, many educators still think of the library in these terms:

 (Photo credit to web20classroom)

Truly, this sign makes me nauseous.  What good is a media center if media isn't allowed within its 4 walls!  I've been inspired to create my own sign to be displayed at the entrance to our library.  I'm not sure what it will look like, but it will definitely welcome the use of MP3 players, phones, food and drink.  For the love of all that's good - PLEASE EAT in our library.  Just remember to be neat about it!  

I guess I'll wrap it up for now.  My mind is wandering in a million different directions thinking about all of the great resources I want to share with you.  Maybe just one for the road... check out THE FRIDAY FIND.  This is a wiki that I started in order to share resources with students and teachers.  My goal is to update The Friday Find every Friday - get it?  I will post new resources that I discover throughout each week as well as old finds that I think are simply amazing and worth mentioning again and again and again.  

Don't forget to follow the library on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

Breaking Stereotypes

Today marked the last day of my first year in the library.  Overall, it was a fantastic year.  The kids really began to gravitate to the library and made it a thriving environment.  I can't wait to start implementing all of my ideas for next year.

Today, I also had the opportunity to present a resources workshop to my fellow faculty members.  Despite having to attend an inservice day on June 10th when most of us are just ready to hit the beach, my colleagues were so receptive to all of the information I had to share with them.  This is so exciting!  It validates my decision to move to the library and gives me great hope for next year.  Collaborating with each other only makes the work we do with our students that much more meaningful.  My list is already growing with new project ideas and team teaching opportunities.

I began my presentation using Prezi (in order to demonstrate the power of a non-linear presentation).  The first stop in my Prezi was SHHHHHHHHHHHH!  Why?  ...in order to emphasize to my colleagues that the library is no longer a place for whispering and worrying about stepping out of line.   I moved through some stereotypical images of librarians.  Clearly I don't fit the old spinster with reading glasses and a bun stereotype.  Short hair and an affinity for shoes will keep me from falling victim to this outdated image.  I think my colleagues grasped my message. With that it was off to the myriad of resources that are currently available and will be available in the upcoming school year.

What a great day!  Now summer begins.  In the upcoming weeks, look for a "Year in Review" blog post, as well as announcements regarding new resources, events, and opportunities in the library for the new school year!

It Really Works!

I received exciting news yesterday!  The Donors Choose project that I created on behalf of the library was fully funded!  I was ecstatic reading the notification.  In designing my first Donors Choose project, skepticism loomed in my mind.  Do people really have a generous spirit?  Do they really go in search of charitable opportunities?  Yesterday's notification provided me with the answer!  Some people really do care about education and are willing to open their wallets to prove it!

The Donors Choose project will supply the library with 2 new flip video cameras for students to use to develop projects and support their classroom work.  They will arrive prior to the start of the 2011-12 school year.  I'm so excited that the library will be able to offer more resources for students to use.  And now it's time to develop a new Donors Choose project.  I can't wait to submit a new idea and see the generosity of our community.  I also can't wait to see the students in action, using the resources provided from this Donors Choose project.  Next year already proves to be an exciting year in the library and for our students.

As soon as my next Donors Choose project is available, I will post a link to it here, as well as on the elcohslibrary twitter page.

Music to My Ears!

This morning, a student told me he really likes using databases for research.  He mentioned the ease of use and convenience they afford at locating relevant, current, and reliable information.  (Insert the angelic strains of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus)  This is music to my ears.  I have been working all year to change the climate of the library, the perception of the library, and the way students find information.  If we want our students to succeed beyond the walls of this high school, these changes must happen.  

I knew it would be a slow process.  There are still many people who envision a quiet library and a librarian with reading glasses propped on the edge of her nose and her hair tightly wound into a bun on the back of her head.  NOT IN THIS LIBRARY!  We also have people who believe that librarians are a thing of the past.  Again - NOT IN THIS LIBRARY!  

Do you know how to find the most current information regarding important events of the day?  Do you know how to search the Internet in the most effective and efficient manner?  Do you know that most print materials are also available online in a variety of formats?  Do you know how to differentiate between an authentic website and a hoax? Do you know what a widget is, a wiki, a QR code, Web 2.0...?  I DO!   I CAN TEACH YOU!

So, thank you to the students who realize the importance of information literacy.  Thank you to the students who come to the library on a daily basis just because they like the inviting atmosphere.  Thank you to the teachers who ask me to help them build lessons and activities that involve information literacy.  

And THANK YOU to the student who made my day by sharing his appreciation for all that the library has to offer!

Live White House Webinar

This afternoon, we had the opportunity to listen to Ben Rhodes, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speech Writing.  After a 15 minute overview on the recent events surrounding Osama Bin Laden's death, students were given the opportunity to submit questions.  Our students backchanneled during the webinar, discussing the presentation as it occurred.

It was a great activity and opportunity for our students to learn about a current event with significant importance to our lives.  While I listened to the webinar and watched the backchannel, I couldn't help but think about how far education has come since I was a student sitting in high school.  What a difference from sitting at a desk with a textbook open just taking notes - BORING!  Now students are able to interact with one another and people all over the world.  The education they are getting is much richer and more experiential than even just five years ago.

Anyone who says that technology isn't important to education is out of touch with today's students.  I'm so glad to have shared in this 21st century learning experience.  I know that the students participating in today's webinar learned a great deal about our government, country, and military and they didn't have to leave the building to do it.  These real world experiences are priceless in education.

Today was a great day!

QR Code

 

 So what is this thing?  It's called a QR code.  In a nutshell, it's a code, that when scanned by a QR reader (look for apps for your smartphone), provides the user with additional information.  QR codes are popping up everywhere!  Look in magazines and you will see them!  Many products now have a QR code as part of the label.  The next time you're out shopping, look for the QR code and you might find yourself linking to product reviews, commercials, or product demonstrations.  Scan the above QR code and see where it takes you!  In the near future, you might just find QR codes on new books in the library.  If you have difficulty selecting which book to read next, scan the QR code for a book review to help you decide!

Information at your fingertips!

Free Verse Fun

We're nearing the end of April and National Poetry Month. Yes, a bit sad... BUT, what a great month it has been in the library! We were busy doing all kinds of things, but my favorite has to be the Free Verse Poetry Gallery. I am blown away by the creativity of our students. The choices made in their poetry interpretations are fantastic.

It seems all we hear lately is how awful the state of education is and struggling budgets and negative, negative, negative. Rather than contribute to the negativity, I would rather highlight the outstanding efforts and work of our kids. If you have a chance, visit the virtual free verse gallery and be inspired. Our students are doing great things. Why not celebrate them?

Trouble for "Tea"

After watching a 60 Minute segment on Sunday night, I couldn't help but feel disappointment at, of all things, a book.  Ok, that's not quite right.  My disappointment isn't really with a book as much as it is with the so-called author of the book, Greg Mortenson.

If you haven't read Three Cups of Tea, you're probably wondering why it, and Mortenson, elicit such an emotional response.  Here's the deal.  Mortenson built, and supposedly continues to build, schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  His memoir, Three Cups of Tea documents his accounts.  Here's the catch.  Reportedly, some of his accounts are not accurate or are potentially outright works of fiction.  You might still be wondering why my reaction is so strong to hearing this information.  I LOVE THIS BOOK!  I love it for its message of hope and overcoming adversity.  I love it for the fact that it shines light on the power of humanitarianism.  And now all of that might be a lie?

Then I got to thinking.  Ok, so what if Greg Mortenson fabricated parts of the story.  Yes - he allegedly lied.  But at the end of the day, I still love the book.  It still resonates with the messages of hope and overcoming adversity that I loved the first time I read it.  I am still inspired by acts of humanitarianism, even if Greg Mortenson's humanitarian efforts are more self-serving than he cares to admit.  I don't like that Mortenson potentially has made  fools of his readers, including me.  I don't like that he allegedly lied.  I don't like that he won't come forward to defend himself if he is innocent.  I don't like that he won't  come forward and admit the truth if he is guilty.  But I do like the book.  And for a reader, that's the power of literature.  Fact or fiction, truth or fantasy, a good story is inspiring.  End of story.

Read Three Cups of Tea and decide for yourself. If, in fact, parts of the story are fabricated, then read it as a work of fiction.  Odds are, you'll still find yourself inspired.

YouTube's New Copyright Video

YouTube created a new video and policy regarding copyright infringement for uploaded videos.  I have to say, the video is pretty good.  There are hefty penalties for breaking copyright.  It's important to be conscientious consumers of information.  Not only is it against the law to plagiarize and infringe on copyright, but also it's unethical.  Remember to give credit when credit is due and follow the law!

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What is going on with this weather?  I know the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers" but the little buds are waterlogged!  Needless to say, all the rain is certainly not helping our moods.  So, I decided that if spring is a little slow in making an arrival, I will hurry it along by bringing spring to the library.  Colorful flowers can be found dangling from the ceiling and sprouting from the plants. But my favorite addition are our little poetry trees.  

Aren't they great?  As a way to welcome spring and celebrate National Poetry Month, visit the library, pick a poem off a tree, read it, and then share it with someone else.  The poems are small enough to fit in your pocket or wallet and can easily be passed to a friend to share a little poetic inspiration.