Having Fun Isn't Hard When You've Got a Library Card
By Robyn Ferrazzani, Librarian, J.W. Killam Elementary School, Reading

Early on in the school year it was clear to Robyn Ferrazzani, Librarian at the J.W. Killam Elementary School in Reading, that most of her grade five students had limited knowledge and experience using the Internet. When the children were asked how they would find information about a new topic or idea their response was almost always, "Just Google it up." The kids did not realize there were more effective ways for an elementary student to search for information. It was important that they learn they had research tools both at their school library and at their public library.

Since that time the upper elementary students have been using their public library card at school and at home. In an effort to get students in grade 5 ready to begin a research project, Mrs. Ferrazzani asked her students to come to class with their library card. Many students made trips to the Reading Public Library that week to replace lost cards or to sign up for a new account. Over the next few weeks students learned how to access the public library from the computer lab in school.

During library classes students learned how to navigate through the public library website to locate books and access some of the free on-line resources like Grolier Online and Kids Infobits. They also investigated the New Book Lists and generated book lists for their upcoming book talks in class. Many of the students have commented throughout the year that they regularly use these resources at home. Their parents and siblings are using them too! It's wonderful to see that the students are beginning to make connections between their school library and their public library.

North Reading Reads 2006
By Helena Minton, Director, Flint Memorial Library and Vicki Yablonsky, Librarian, North Reading High School

Flint Memorial Library and the North Reading High School Library in the town of North Reading recently completed their third joint town-wide reading program: North Reading Reads 2006. This year the project was sponsored by an "On the Same Page" grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, made possible by the Library Services and Technology Act, and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The grant, along with sponsorship from the Friends of the Flint Memorial Library, the North Reading High School Parents' Association, and several other organizations and businesses, allowed the libraries to provide a variety of programs from January through April. The North Reading Reads 2006 web page is available at www.flintmemoriallibrary.org/nreadingreads06.html.

In Revere, in Those Days, by Roland Merullo, proved to be a very popular title for this year's program, resonating with many townspeople who had memories of Revere and others who found meaning in Merullo's coming-of-age novel. From January's kickoff event, Pizza and Pages, to book discussions in various locations around town, a Saturday afternoon film series at the Flint Memorial Library, and many evening programs related to aspects of the novel, the libraries received many positive responses to the book choice and the programs. Many people from town participated in programs, including a panel on other titles by Merullo, food history and Italian culture, and North Reading town history. High school art students created works illustrating scenes from the novel; English students who read the book created many imaginative responses to the novel; and music students provided entertainment at an evening program. Photos from the events are available online at www.flintmemoriallibrary.org/photogallery.html.

The culmination of the program was an evening with the author, Roland Merullo, which drew a large audience to North Reading High School on April 26. Merullo spoke about his inspiration for the book, his life as a writer, and answered questions from the audience. He also returned to the high school the next morning to speak to students who had read his novel.

This year's program also had a children's component centered on the title Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo. Events included movies, read-alouds, crafts, contests, and more.

In addition to promoting reading and library use, the goals of North Reading Reads include providing opportunities for community members to meet and share responses to one book. The libraries appreciate the support of community members and their attendance at this year's programs. To further the goals, and supported by seed money from the "On the Same Page" grant, the libraries have started planning for North Reading Reads 2007. The next title for community discussion will be Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper.