Genrefying our library

Old Bonhomme’s library went through a major transformation over the summer.  Our library ditched the Dewey Decimal System and became genrefied.  Now, the word genrefication might sound like an affliction, but fear not--it’s a good thing!  Genrefying the library simply means shelving books that are on the same topic together.  Now that the library is genrefied, our young readers can easily access books on topics that interest them.  Sports books are found in the sports section, art books are found in the art section, and books about animals are found in the animal section.  There’s even a “Make It/Do It” section where kids can find books that teach them how to make or do things ranging from origami to cooking to science experiments. 

All you have to do is Google “ditching Dewey” and you’ll find that this is a hot topic in the exciting world of libraries--most librarians agree with this new way of organizing an elementary library while others are dead-set in following the hard-fast rules created in the 1800s by Melvil Dewey.  This librarian decided to do what was best for our young readers and made the change!  

If you are curious about how a genrefied library looks, stop on by during fall parent/teacher conferences.  There is still a lot of work to be done before the transformation is complete but you’ll get a good idea of how our library is now organized.  And for all of you die-hard Dewey lovers out there, fear not!  All fourth graders will be taught how to use the Dewey decimal system before leaving OB so that they’ll be able to access books at the Fifth Grade Center.  

Genrefication is our friend and your kids already love it!  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Oh, cool.  I didn’t know we had books about ____!”  It’s music to this librarian’s ears!  

Don't forget the 

Old Bonhomme Library 

is open for family checkouts this summer! 

Visit our wonderful library on Mondays from 9:00 am - 11:00 am June 1-July 27.  (Please note that the library will not be open on Monday, July 7.)   This is a great opportunity for incoming fourth graders to start reading the Mark Twain nominees!

I hope to see lots of OB Eagles at the library this summer!

A Visit With State Treasurer, Mr. Zweifel

We were lucky to have Mr. Clint Zweifel stop by Old Bonhomme's library this morning to visit with the second grade classes.  Mr. Zweifel shared his story of campaigning for both his State Representative position and the State Treasurer position.  We couldn't believe that one of his elections was decided with fewer than 70 votes!  This is a great reminder that every vote counts!

This visit kicks off a month of learning about democracy, voting and elections in the Old Bonhomme Library.   All of this learning about elections will get us geared up for Kids Voting, a student-friendly election, held at each Ladue school on November 3.  During this mock election, each class will visit the computer lab and cast their votes for elementary-centered topics (favorite St. Louis landmark, favorite national landmark, favorite past president, etc.).

Old Bonhomme second graders thank the Treasurer for making a stop at our school and sharing a story with us!

Olivette Firemen Read to Old Bonhomme Students

Olivette's own firemen have volunteered several hours reading to Old Bonhomme students. The kids LOVE hearing fun stories read to them by these community helpers!  We hope to have them as our guest readers throughout the school year!

Kindergarteners Hunt For Corduroy

  

Ms. Boudinet's class spent the morning searching for that sneaky bear, Corduroy.  Apparently he had quite the morning, running from one end of the school building to another.  During his visit to the library, Corduroy grabbed all types of bear books from the shelves and spent some time looking at those books in the pit (I hope he remembered to take his shoes off first!).  By the time Ms. Boudinet's kindergartners got to the library, though, he had already taken off for their classroom.  I hope they finally found him!

Mark Twain Nominees for 2014-2015

Privateer's Apprentice by Susan Verrico

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Freaky Fast Frankie Joe by Lutricia Clifton

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner

Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

Pinch Hit by Tim Green

The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook by Joanne Rocklin

The Shadow Collectors Apprentice by Amy Gordon

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

The Young Healer by Frank N. McMillan III

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

Pete the Cat visits the library

The last thing I expected to see in the library today was a sassy blue cat kick off his cool school shoes before chilling in the library pit with a good book...but that is exactly what happened--just ask Mrs. Lacy's kindergarten class!   Their search for Pete the Cat led the class all over the school, stopping in at popular hotspots such as Senior Martin's Spanish classroom, the school office, Mrs. Roth's art studio and, of course, the library.

Unfortunately, the super kindergarten sleuths did not catch that rascally four-legged feline before he plucked a few petals off my beautiful sunflowers, but word on the streets (or at least echoing through the hallways of OB) is that the class tracked Pete back to their classroom and they all enjoyed a good read aloud together.

Now if I could just talk to that naughty cat about my flowers...