Today we are previewing our new program "TUMBLEBOOKS" - E-BOOKS for kids. Books can be readaloud to you or you can read alone. Also, there are related puzzles/games, too! Check-it out, the kids love it! Soon we will have a direct link on our page but for now, use the name and password listed: name: casper pw:trial

RESEARCH STEPS (in order)
* ACCESS ALL FROM LIBRARY HOMEPAGE*
1. BOOKS: Use Library Catalog
2. ENCYCLOPEDIA (print & online)
ALMANAC
ATLAS
3. STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER: In school only
Reference Books
Magazines
Newspapers
Primary Sources
Multimedia
4. NOVEL Databases
5. KID’S CLICK SEARCH ENGINE
6. VISIT YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY, too!
· ASK FOR HELP!
· Get permission to print: select print preview!
. Complete MLA WORKS CITED
Also, Project Links on Library Page, too!

Mandarin Catalog and Circulation Databases now "fixed". We had some "issues" with searching on the web and with book checkout- BUT it is "fixed" now!! WHEW! Go to our library catalog search and see our new book cover display-it is way cool and shows summaries and reviews, too.http://64.75.73.18/m3/apps/m3opac/OnteoraBennLibrary

Busy day at CDEP meeting yesterday-very interesting and productive! Thanks kids and Mrs. Suozzo and Mrs. Barringer for doing a great job! Today I am presenting a powerpoint to 4th and 5th grade on Effective Internet Searching. REMEMBER: use quotes around Phrases and names!

FYI: This a school BLOG-adhere to our Onteora Policy regarding Internet Use. Thanks!

Hi All: I will be out on Thursday at a CDEP meeting. Mrs. Barringer will be substituting for me in the library. I know ALL will be cooperative and be the BEST library kids for her! Science Projects: go to the link on the library website-also check out Student Resource Center (click on the Icon on the Homepage!) Get ALL of your print resources FIRST (books, encyclopedias, magazines...) BEFORE you go online. Ask your teacher or Mrs. Souzzo for HELP and GUIDANCE! Make sure YOU HAVE AN IDEA of what you are looking for before you do ANYTHING!!! ie. size, atmosphere. gravity, visits etc. (use the worksheets for info in the LIBRARY !)

Library Lessons today : 2006 Caldecott Books, 4D: The Picture of Morty and Ray by local author Daniel Pinkwater(very funny!), 3A Zen Shorts (Caldecott honor2006) by local Illustrator Jon Muth and Basho and the Fox by Tim Myers (both very Zen), KS my Favorite storyteller Joseph Bruchac's How Chimpmunk got his Stripes- we were all "bears" or "grey squirrels" too! Great to be able to read aloud!!

I am adding a set of 6 new series books to our non-fiction section in the Bennett Library called American Symbols and their Meanings. The titles are: "The Liberty Bell", "The American Flag", "Ellis Island", "The Statue of Liberty", "The White House", and "The Constitution". Come check them out.

NEW TRIAL:
Literary Reference Center is a full text database that combines information
from major respected reference works, books, literary journals as well as
original content from EBSCO Publishing. This resource includes more than
10,000 plot summaries, synopses and work overviews; 75,000 articles of
literary criticism; 130,000 author biographies; full text of more than 300
literary journals; 500,000 book reviews; 25,000 classic & contemporary
poems; over 11,000 classic & contemporary short stories; full text of more
than 7,500 classic novels (anticipated by Fall 2006); over 3,000 author
interviews; and over 1,000 images of key literary figures.
Of particular note, the database contains the Bloom Series of more than 500
books from Chelsea House Publishers edited by renowned literary critic
Harold Bloom and all of MagillOnLiterature PlusT from Salem Press, including
the highly regarded Masterplots series.
Content includes:
- More than 10,000 plot summaries, synopses and work overviews
- 75,000 articles of literary criticism
- 130,000 author biographies
- Full text of over 300 literary journals
- 500,000 book reviews
- 25,000 classic and contemporary poems
- Over 11,000 classic and contemporary short stories
- 3,000 author interviews
- Over 1,000 images of key literary figures
To begin accessing your trial, simply follow the URL below and enter the ID
& PW
http://trial.epnet.com
User ID = ebsco
Password = lrctrial

Bennett Elementary School Library Media Center

Baxter Reading 

Reilly Reading his Favorite Book

he New York Library Association has announced the winners of the Books of the Season program for winter 2006.
The winner of the children's category is "Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick" by Roz Rosenbluth, published by Flashlight Press. The winner of the young adult's category is "Art Geeks and Prom Queens" by Alyson Noel, published by St. Martin's Griffin. The winner of the adult's category is "The Shame of the Nation" by Jonathan Kozol, published by the Crown Publishing Group.
Here is just a sampling of the spring 2006 nominees:
Children's Category:
An Egg Is Quiet By- Dianna Aston
Harlem Hellfighters When Pride Met Courage By- Walter Dean Myers
Young Adult Category:
Johnny and the Dead By- Terry Pratchett
Skybreaker By- Ken Oppel
Adult Category:
Apostle Paul By- James Cannon
Good Women By- Jane Stevenson
The Space Between Us By- Thrity Umrigar
For the entire list of nominees be sure to go to http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1041

Hannaford Supermarkets is partnering with the Hudson Valley Chapter of
the Books for Kids Foundation to promote literacy in our geographical
area. The nine stores in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties will
collect (preferably) new books for children Pre-K through middle school.
The stores are located in Pawling, Wappingers Falls, Red Hook, Kingston
(2 supermarkets), Highland, New Windsor, Pine Bush, and Middletown. All books and monies donated during the Book Drive will be distributed
throughout the Hudson Valley to schools and organizations in need.
This initiative will run from April 1-30, 2006.
For more information go to http://www.dotdash.org/bfk/
Please support us by visiting your local Hannaford's in April and
donating one or more books!
To help "kick" off this drive, Hannaford's, Ariel's Child and the Hudson
Valley Chapter of the Books for Kids Foundation is sponsoring an Easter
family fun event with a live radio show (WBWZ FM 93.3), 1-3 pm on
Sunday, April 9th, at the Wappingers Falls supermarket on Route 9. There
will be face painting, costumed characters, cupcake decorating, and,
most importantly, renowned author/illustrator Iza Trapani will be there
to autograph her books-all of which are being donated by Hannaford's.
There will be a limited quantity of free books available for
autographing, and they will be given out on a first come, first served
basis.

The playground was very cold today. Very COLD wind. Many books to return and shelve.

Great Website: International Children's Digital Library (ICDL)-it is a "public library" for the world's children. Read over 862 free children's books written in 32 different languages. VERY COOL- will be using it for grades 1-3 this week! http://www.icdlbooks.org/index.shtml

Teaching "Effective Internet Searching" to grades 4-6 this week using a powerpoint. Going very well and showed off our BLOG!!

FYI - This will effect our public libraries.
Ulster County Legislature reduces funding to public libraries by 50 percent
http://pojonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060317/NEWS01/603170329/1006/NEWS01

I am working today as a reference librarian at Newburgh Public Library. Check out the NFL website: http://www.newburghlibrary.org/
I really enjoy working with so many different kinds of people and kids. Lots of school state projects and college research papers going on. It is great to show how to get great information from a variety of places: not just "the internet."

My Favorite Book to Read to Bennett Kindergarten Classes!
The Moon takes a bath and magical crystals fall off. These
can be found on the shore of "Moon Lake" or maybe even
"The Ashokan Reservoir!"

21st Century Strategies for
Strengthening Your School Library Program

Searching the Web Web Evaluation Blogs School Library Websites Primary Sources Research Web Based Tools Reading
Have you ever thought about what motivates kids to get involved in learning? This website contains practical curricular resources -- tools, strategies and resources to support inquiry learning, teach Web evaluation, create school library websites, access virtual libraries and use primary sources -- to truly make the school library the center of the instructional program. Click on any of the above links to explore the workshop resources.
Join me on my blog and share your opinions, ideas, reflections, etc. and learn many more practical ideas and strategies.
Gain an understanding of constructivism and inquiry-based learning through self-paced online courses: Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning and Inquiry Based Learning.
Login to TappedIn, a virtual environment for educators on the Web, to learn more about integrating technology into the library program and network with colleagues around the country. Look on the calendar for the "Web Tools" sessions held each month facilitated by Pam Berger.
Read "Not Your Parents’ Library" by Pam Berger. Technology and Learning magazine, Part 1 Part 2.
Explore the changing information landscape in Growing Up Digital
Finally, check out two of my favorite websites...at least for this month:
International Children's Digital Library -- join up to be an ambassador
MaMaMedia - be sure to check the articles in the Teacher's section
Thanks for joining me,Pam

FYI: Microsoft-New York Class Action Settlement

Home Page
Get a Claim Form
File a Claim On-line
How to find ID numbers for your Microsoft products
How to find Volume License purchase information
Frequently Asked Questions
Settlement Agreement
Summary Notice
Detailed Notice
Settlement Information Last Updated on March 07, 2006:The court has granted preliminary approval of the settlement. A hearing on final approval is scheduled for June 13, 2006.
To receive benefits, you must complete and return a Claim Form. The deadline for mailing your Claim Form or submitting your Claim Form online is October 18, 2006.
A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit about certain Microsoft software acquired by consumers and businesses from and including May 18, 1994 through December 31, 2004 for use in New York. People and businesses that are covered by the settlement can get vouchers that may be redeemed for cash after buying eligible computer products. If you or your business is covered by the settlement, you can get more information, send in a claim form to get vouchers, request exclusion or object to the settlement. The Court-ordered notice and other documents at this website explain the settlement and the benefits it provides. The deadline for mailing your claim is October 18, 2006.
Certain documents are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. If your computer is not already configured with the free Acrobat software to view and print these documents, you may get Acrobat by clicking the logo below.

Site last updated: 03-07-2006
Get a Claim Form File a Claim On-line Summary Notice Detailed Notice Settlement Agreement

Reilly is back: my puppy ran away but someone brought him back-yiichs, so much for private doggie school.

Whew busy day- learned how to create a blog and taught Effective Internet Searching. Plan on showing the Powerpoint to 5th and 6th Grade next week. Lesson: advanced searching on Google.

Welcome to our NEW Bennett Library Media Center Blog.
Wonderful things are happening everyday in our Library. Check out our Web Site!