AHH! The wonderful scent of new library books!

 



Getting new books is always exciting for me.  Parts of my big orders usually include some anticipated books in a series.  Others are on recommended lists for K-3, 4-6 or Young Adult or are recommended by my Librarian buddies in Weatherford ISD.  I just know my students are going to love these.  I have carefully gone through my genrecized Fiction section and purchased books for areas that did not have many books – Scary and Graphic books topping the list.  My Nonfiction section gets a facelift now and again especially when science topics get updated.  Autobiographies stand out more in the Biography section now that I have included spine labels on them.

My biggest dilemma when my books arrive is how to tell my students about all of them and when to put them out so that all of the students will have a chance at first picks (usually those in the 3rd rotation who want to get a new book are out of luck by the time their library visit rolls around

:(.

So I tried book talking some of them during 5th and 6th grade lunch, but this past time that did not work well as they were so excited about other things, they really didn’t listen well.

During their 30-minute Collaboration visit, I decided to pass out book marks with a number on the back of 4 of them.  I did this during each group.  Those lucky enough to have a number on the back of their book mark enjoyed the privilege of being the first reader of a new book.

For one of my centers, I have made QR codes that link to book trailers about many of my books.  During their library time, students in grades 4 – 6 will be able to use the library’s iPad minis to “read” these QR codes and find out about more new books that are in the library. 

I feel good that students will be able to learn about new books in our library that they can check out.  One of the worst things that can happen is for the new books to get put on the shelves without students knowing they are there.  Books that continue or complete a series are always great for those who are following characters, an adventurous story line or a certain author’s work.  The older students log in to Destiny Quest to recommend to their friends just what books in the library they have read that are really good.

So my next big shipment of new books should come in soon.  It’s exciting to go into the front office and see those red and white striped book boxes just waiting to be opened!