Annual Book Fair a Time to Celebrate an Outstanding Library
"Ahhh, new books!"
Decades of research have proven the strong connection between vibrant libraries like Shore's and student success, not only in elementary and middle school but also in high school, college, and beyond. Yet reports from across the country show schools increasingly investing in all-digital resources and tools, and reducing or eliminating spending on books, libraries, and library staff.
Fortunately for Shore, our parents, faculty, and administration all recognize the value of both the latest technology and those time-tested resources such as books. "With our ever-expanding collection," Collison acknowledges, "we're very lucky here. Unlike many other schools, our library is always growing."
And as Shore's library capabilities continue to expand and adapt, so too will the Book Fair evolve to serve new needs and offer new benefits for families. Next year, Chris Hubbard says, a book swap may be added to allow children to trade their books, and reader-to-reader recommendations will play an even greater role.
So, just as Shore's "new" library 30 years ago was contructed in the center of campus—to serve as a sort of intellectual crossroads for the school community—today the library remains a central, vital force to inspire inquiry and spark conversation and collaboration among students, parents, and teachers alike.
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Head Librarian Debora Collison quotes this overheard exclamation from an Upper School student as the perfect summary of Shore's Book Fair week. "Who doesn’t enjoy shopping for books?" Collison asks rhetorically. "It's a joy to see them all—even the ninth graders—sitting down with their heads close together in a book, pointing out passages or pictures to each other."
Assistant Librarian Chris Hubbard adds, "The most gratifying part of this year's Book Fair for me was something new we tried. We had sixth graders write 'Reader Recommendations' for their favorite titles, and they attached the notes to the books so other students could read them. It worked out wonderfully. We loved listening to kids recommend books to each other." Next year, Hubbard says, there are hopes to expand the reader-to-reader notes to books on the shelves, so children can see recommendations year-round.
Assistant Librarian Chris Hubbard adds, "The most gratifying part of this year's Book Fair for me was something new we tried. We had sixth graders write 'Reader Recommendations' for their favorite titles, and they attached the notes to the books so other students could read them. It worked out wonderfully. We loved listening to kids recommend books to each other." Next year, Hubbard says, there are hopes to expand the reader-to-reader notes to books on the shelves, so children can see recommendations year-round.
Shore's annual Book Fair, held each April during National School Library Week, is one of the most anticipated all-school events of the year. Children from all grades get to browse and choose from hundreds of titles enticingly arrayed on tables throughout the library. But, as Collison explains, for most it's less about the shopping than it is about the books and the library itself.
"Holding events like this is a wonderful way for us to showcase how involved we are in the life of the school," Collison says. "We love having the opportunity to share with parents the curriculum we teach here in the library—something many other schools don’t have."
"Holding events like this is a wonderful way for us to showcase how involved we are in the life of the school," Collison says. "We love having the opportunity to share with parents the curriculum we teach here in the library—something many other schools don’t have."
Decades of research have proven the strong connection between vibrant libraries like Shore's and student success, not only in elementary and middle school but also in high school, college, and beyond. Yet reports from across the country show schools increasingly investing in all-digital resources and tools, and reducing or eliminating spending on books, libraries, and library staff.
Fortunately for Shore, our parents, faculty, and administration all recognize the value of both the latest technology and those time-tested resources such as books. "With our ever-expanding collection," Collison acknowledges, "we're very lucky here. Unlike many other schools, our library is always growing."
And as Shore's library capabilities continue to expand and adapt, so too will the Book Fair evolve to serve new needs and offer new benefits for families. Next year, Chris Hubbard says, a book swap may be added to allow children to trade their books, and reader-to-reader recommendations will play an even greater role.
So, just as Shore's "new" library 30 years ago was contructed in the center of campus—to serve as a sort of intellectual crossroads for the school community—today the library remains a central, vital force to inspire inquiry and spark conversation and collaboration among students, parents, and teachers alike.
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Eager readers
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Debora Collison with Kindergarten book lovers
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Fifth graders browsing
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Evaluating the choices
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New aquisitions
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Even ninth graders enjoy the Book Fair.
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Shore Country Day School’s mission is to provide an education that inspires a love of learning and encourages children to embrace academic challenge. We seek to build character, cultivate creativity, and value diversity as we help our children become healthy, compassionate citizens of the world.
The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admissions, scholarships, and loans, and its educational, athletic, and other programs.