News from the Library

Posted on August 18, 2019 by kimbra power

Welcome to the Elementary Library

It has been a wonderful beginning to the year in the Elementary Library. The returning students walked in oohing and aahing over the new space, briefly mourn the loss of the loft, and check out many, many books. The new students quickly get the hang of things, and know they can approach Ms Stella, Ms Joji and me with any questions.

With more than 1/3 of our Elementary Students being new to SAS this year, it seems like a good time to share some information about our library.

Our Shanghai American School Library houses the largest collection of English books in all of China, and although our ES Pudong library is the smallest of our 4 libraries, it has close to 30,000 titles in its physical, and digital collection…How lucky are we?

We currently have 60 kindles, 60 Ipod nano’s and 20 Ipads all loaded with books, (some kindles have over 150 books on them) so there is no shortage of new reading material available. If there is a book you want to read, and we don’t have it in our Pudong Elementary library, check destiny to see if we have it somewhere else, like Middle School, or Puxi Campus. If you can’t find it there, let me know and I’ll order it for next year, and possibly purchase on kindle, audio or Ibooks if it is available.

We encourage your children to bring back their library books as they finish them; and not wait until their allocated library day to return them. They can place books on the blue cart in the main hallway as they enter the Elementary School in the morning. Kinder and Pre K students can place them in a basket in their classroom and they will be brought over each morning by a library helper. Each book checked out by children and parents is for 14 days

To use our database to see what is available in our library go to http://destiny.saschina.org and click on Pudong Elementary then log in using your school ID number as the username AND password. From here you can check the catalog to see what we have, go to ‘my info’ to see what you have checked out, and renew books as long as they are not already overdue.

Guidelines for Check Out

We encourage students to check out many books through the year.

Each time they come to the library:

Pre K can check out 3 books *

Kindergarten can check out 5 books *

1st Grade can check out 5 books *

*(this is the maximum students can have checked out at any one time)

Grade 2-Grade 5 can have UNLIMITED check-out privileges; so they need to use their common sense and make sure they don’t check out more books than they can read/carry.

While Grade 2-Grade 5 students check out is unlimited, within that, they can check out a maximum of:

-3 Graphic Novels

-3 DVD’s

-3 Books in a Series

We encourage EVERY student in Elementary to check out at least ONE non-fiction book each check out period.

Additional Lunch Recess Library Visits

Monday and Wednesday-Grades 2 and 4 are allowed to check out in the library during their lunch recess time. If the day is too hot/wet/polluted you are welcome to stay and read. If the day is fine, we’ll send you out to play once you’ve checked out your books.

Tuesday and Thursday-Grades 3 and 5 are allowed to check out in the library during their lunch recess time. If the day is too hot/wet/polluted you are welcome to stay and read. If the day is fine, we’ll send you out to play once you’ve checked out your books.

Parent Check Out

Each parent is allowed to have 10 books checked out in their name at any one time. Please come in and see us to find out how we can help you this year in the library.

Parent Volunteers

We have a robust volunteer system in the Elementary Library. Some parents volunteer for a regular time, some drop in when they can, or if we e mail them specifically to ask for help, and some spend an hour or two when they come in to school for a child’s activity, and have some extra spare time.

If you think you would like to volunteer, we will have a welcome meeting on Friday September 6^th, straight after the Principal’s Coffee. It will also be an information session on using our library catalog and databases, as well as general advice on making the most of your child’s library experience. You won’t be pressured to volunteer; it’s just a chance for you to learn more about what we can offer you such as access to Sora (overdrive) Flipster and RB Digital which you can also read more about here. http://libguides.saschina.org/c.php?g=891876

We can’t wait to greet you all in the library. With over 1,000 new books, bringing our collection to about 30,000 items, there really is something in our library for everyone!

We are so excited to have you as part of our community. I think you’ll agree with me that the facilities we have at SAS are second to none, and when it comes to the Libraries at our school, that is indeed the case.

Ms Joji, Ms Stella and Mrs Power

To Weed…or Not To Weed…That’s a Funny Question

Posted on March 19, 2019 by kimbra power

Weeding the Collection

One of the responsibilities of the Elementary Library is to assure the quality, quantity and organization of the collection. That includes also the professional responsibility for removing from the collection the materials that are no longer appropriate or supportive of the curriculum.In the same way as materials and the existing collection are systematically evaluated for selection purposes, evaluation and examination must occur before materials are removed from the collection. Weeding is carried out on the basis of professional judgment and careful planning. The procedures for weeding depend on the plan formulated by the information specialist and carried out systematically at the determined time.

Systematic weeding comprises removing:

• Worn and damaged books

• Multiple copies of the same work

• Works containing information easily available elsewhere

• Outdated materials, inaccurate materials

Criteria for removing items include physical deterioration, obsolescence and lack of appropriateness for the current needs of the school community. After the materials have been identified for weeding, the removal of the items is a follow up responsibility of the Librarian and Librarian Assistant. We have also contributed reading materials to other smaller schools when needed.

We sometimes have Pudong Elementary Second-Hand Book Sales

For over seven years, we have brought books INTO the library; we have not taken many books OUT of the library.

Our older books are taking up valuable space that better books could use, creating more space on the shelves, the books we do have are more accessible and inviting.

We are weeding books that:

*are old

*are damaged

*we have multiple copies of

*teachers have used in teaching units and now no longer use

*have not been checked out in 5,10,15, TWENTY years

*are never likely to be checked out by anyone

*are misleading or factually inaccurate

*are superseded by a new addition or have been replaced by a better book on the subject

If you’re interested in why librarians MUST weed, check out some of these articles:

http://awfullibrarybooks.net/why-weed/

http://100scopenotes.com/2016/10/21/endangered-series-11-animal-ark/

http://awfullibrarybooks.net/why-weed/

Thank you for reading

Congratulations Readers

Posted on January 9, 2018 by skhpower

We often congratulate students for how many books they check out, but we know that there is no proof that they are actually reading those books. Also, a child may complete 22 picture books, in the same time as another reads a huge 800 page chapter book, so rewarding a number doesn’t really seem fair. Still, we don’t mind too much if it is just ONE of the ways we reward our readers.

Some other ways we encourage positive behaviour and attitude in the library is to reward students for how often they recommend books to others, how often they take risks with their book choices and how well mannered they are during check out time.

Here are some of the rewards given to our students to celebrate the first half of the school year. Congratulations to all our readers, the main thing we hope is that you keep coming back for more.

Happy New Year

Library Awards

PKSB

Kate Marvellous Manners Award

Tristan Good Listener Award

PKCN

Jamie Good Listener Award

Michael Independent Reader Award

PKSE

Audrey Positive Participant Award

Derek Good Listener Award

KEV

Nolan Positive Participant Award

Fiona Brilliant Behavior Award

KES

Jonathan Brilliant Behavior Award

Chloe Positive Participant Award

1DM

Jocelyn Independent Reader Award

Albert Better Behavior Award

1CN

Serena Independent Reader Award

Kai Jay Risk Taker Award

1DS

Sasha Marvellous Manners Award

Oscar Marvellous Manners Award

2DR

Maria Risk Taker Award

Yuchen Brilliant Behavior Award

2SC

Kelly Marvellous Manners Award

Oskar Reliable Returner Award

2DW

Katherine Reliable Returner Award

Tigris Better Behavior Award

3TEDS

Sophie Independent Read Awards

Tony Reliable Recommender Award

3JC

Evelyn Marvellous Manners Award

Eric Risk Taker Award

3CE

Ava Marvellous Manners Award

Rodrigo Marvellous Manners Award

4RF

Daniel Patient Pupil Award

Leia Marvellous Manners Award

4SJ

Yoobeen Reliable Recommender Award

Leah Patient Pupil Award

4JF

Bruno Marvellous Manners Award

Ann Marvellous Manners Award

4JA

Haohan Reliable Recommender Award

Peyton Marvellous Manners Award

5DN

Natalie Patient Pupil Award

Byran Reliable Recommender Award

5AR

Alan Marvellous Manners Award

Nicole Patient Pupil Award

5MR

Alex Reliable Returner Award

Elaine Patient Pupil Award

5SM

Billy Reliable Recommender Award

Catelyn Marvellous Manners Award

Most Books Checked out per Grade Level

PreK

Mifaye PKSB 18

Kindergarten

Jonathan Qian KES 56

1^st Grade

David Gao 1CN 66

2^nd Grade

Katherine Chu 2DW 136

3^rd Grade

Flo 3CE 185

4^th Grade

Lotta 4RF 149

5^th Grade

Ellen Zheng 5AR 105

We are third time lucky with David Greenberg

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Lana

I’ve been here for 11 years and this will be the third time Author Poet extraordinaire David Greenberg will visit us at Pudong campus. I am most excited about this visit as I have come to know David over the years and absolutely love the presentation he does related to Civil Rights. He will be presenting this from 4th-12th grade with a full high school assembly on Tuesday morning in the Performing Arts Centre, and for all of 8th grade on Monday afternoon in the LLH. David’s Civil Rights presentation is aligned with his novel A Tugging String which provides a unique perspective of growing up during the Civil Rights Era as the son of Martin Luther King’s Lawyer.

Parents are welcome to attend these sessions and we will get you a more detailed schedule as David’s visit gets closer. David will be on Pudong Campus from Monday September 19th-Friday September 23rd before moving to Puxi campus for the following week.

David will be presenting poetry to the Prek-3rd grade during the week and there will be the opportunity to purchase some of David’s books using the order form below that will be sent home with students before David’s visit.

Here are some of the books David will be sharing poetry from, discussing and promoting with the students.

Here is the order form for the books David can sign, and send to us in China after his visit.

ORDER FORM CHINA 2016

I Like a Buzzing Library

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Lana

I like a buzzing library

A library full of kids

Hanging from the rafters

Juggling laptop lids

I like a busy library

Bulging at the seams

Can I find a book for you?

On what migration means

I like a happy library

With humor, fun and games

Staff will find out what you want

And learn all of your names

I like a techy library

Podcasts and E books

Movies made of great book talks

Leave you on tender-hooks

I like a cozy library,

Cushions, bags of beans

Throw rugs and some comfy chairs

Lead you to your dreams

I love a ‘Kimbra Library’

I’ve wanted one for years

With Kimbra here and Kimbra there

Hearing all your cheers

A Kimbra who is passionate that reading is such fun

A Kimbra finding just right books for each and every one

A Kimbra who has studied hard to fine-tune what she knows

A Kimbra watching all the kids, as their knowledge grows

Ten school days to go…

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Lana

Yes, today is the last day for ANYONE checking out.

For the next 6 day cycle, teacher’s may bring their students to the library, and they may read. We would rather they didn’t read the library books, as we are busy with inventory, so we have many books and magazines they CAN read, out on tables, or they are welcome to bring their own books.

Free materials! Any student, parent or teacher may take one of these books or magazines when they leave class on that check-out day; as long as we never have to see it again.

The library is starting its end of year procedures so please take note of these dates:

Monday June 1st-Very last check out date for Students, Parents and Staff
Wednesday June 3rd-ALL LIBRARY MATERIALS DUE IN from students and parents
Monday June 8th-ALL LIBRARY MATERIALS DUE IN from staff

You can check your library account to see what is checked out to you:

•Go to http://destiny.saschina.org/
•Click on Pudong Elementary Catalog
•Login with your Faculty, Student or Parent ID number (above your barcode on your School ID)
•The User Name and Password are the same, and any letters needs to be in all Caps, example (EXP#####)
•Once you have logged in, you should open the “My Info” tab. You then can view your current checkouts.
•If you have a lot of checkouts, you may have to click the show all button……….Then all you have to do is find the materials and turn them back in.
•If you can not log in, drop by the library and we can help

If you have lost library materials please come and talk with us about the situation, in most cases it will mean handing over 100 rmb per item, which you will get back in full, if the item turns up either in our inventory, or in your possession.

Parent Volunteers Desperately Needed
Parents, we REALLY need your help. We are doing a full inventory of almost 30,000 items in the ES Library in the next two weeks,
as well as teaching classes, checking out books, and checking in ALL the items checked out this year.
If you are on campus to:
*see your child perform
*enjoy a farewell party
*organize a sporting event
*attend a music event
*pick up your child
*drop off your child
*or ANYTHING at all… and can spare a couple of hours in the library we would be eternally grateful…
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY… just come in and we’ll put you to work within minutes.

Thank you in anticipation

Enjoy these busy, often emotional, two weeks and we hope to see you at SAS next year. If you are leaving us, please drop by the library to say good-bye, you will not be forgotten and will certainly be missed by many.

Three Weeks ’til Summer!

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Lana

The end of the year is fast approaching… which means Summer Vacation! Hooray…but before that we all have some work to do…

The library is starting its end of year procedures so please take note of these dates:

You can check your library account to see what is checked out to you:

Thank you in anticipation

Enjoy these last few busy, often emotional, few weeks and we hope to see you at SAS next year. If you are leaving us, please drop by the library to say good-bye, you will not be forgotten and will certainly be missed by many.

Show me the Sugar

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Lana

Well, that’s the end of another wildly successful Books To Eat, well done Team 2015… we more than tripled our entries from last year with around 148 all up! Hooray for us.

Thank you to the students for making it happen, and the parents and teachers, some of whom baked multiple times, we appreciate your skills and commitment.

http://videonew.saschina.org/player/pak_player/pakplayer.swf?config=http%3A%2F%2Fvideonew.saschina.org%2Fplayer%2Fpak_player%2Fembed_player.php%3Fvid%3D12765%26json%3Dtrue%26autoplay%3Dno

Authors Authors Everywhere

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Lana

We are thrilled to have not one, not two, not three, but FOUR amazing and incredible authors joining us in May. I’ll hold off talking about our ‘One-Day-Special’ with Margi Preus in this post and focus on the three talented folk delighting us for a whole week from May 11th-May 15th.

The authors joining us are: Drumroll Please…

David M. Schwartz

Candace Fleming

Eric Rohmann

It will be a busy, productive and enriching week for our young people having access to so many opportunities for growth; not to mention that it is also our China Alive week. We have many of the author’s books for sale, which is a great chance to get an autographed copy for your child or as a gift.

Here are the Books for Sale, they are available in the Elementary Library.

the barefoot librarian

Kimbra Power

Category Archives: News