RBV Reads

Destiny Quest? There's an app for that!

2012-01-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like 2012 is off to a fine start. I hope all of you had a wonderful Winter Break. I also hope that you got to read some good books during your down time. Make sure you check my list on the right side of your screen for the new titles I've added that I read during the break.

Did you make a New Year's resolution to read more? If you did, your RBV library is the place to support you in your endeavors. Just stop by anytime; you'll never leave disappointed.

Do you have a smart phone? Now you can download an app for our catalog. Follett's Destiny Quest feature of the catalog is available as an app through your app store. Once you download the app use this address to find us the first time http://destiny-1.vusd.k12.ca.us/ then create an account and search our catalog from wherever you might be.

LL

December is here.

2011-12-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is behind us and that the Winter Break is right around the corner. I hope everyone remembers that we are ending the semester before the break this year. Don't forget that the library is open until 5:30pm Monday through Thursdays. The students who know this are using the library a lot to do their homework, finalize projects, and prepare for finals.

Another thing to plan for is your time off. Do you need some good books to read over the break? Stop by to check out the new books we have on display. Titles change frequently. I read some of them over the Thanksgiving break. Be sure to check my list on the right side of this blog to see what I read.

Have you tried our Playaways yet? These book and player all-in-one devices are becoming quite popular. Just the other day a student told me how much she loved reading along the hard copy while listening to the Playaway version of Hunger Games. Check with your English teacher to see if this is okay in his/her class for SSR.

LL

New Video

2011-11-10T14:21:00.001-08:00

Check out my latest Animoto video. Scroll down to the bottom of this page.
It's all about our newest addition to the library collection -- Playaways. These small devices are audiobooks and the player all in one.

Watch the video, then stop by to check one out soon.

LL

Guys Read

2011-10-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

I just spent some time with Mrs. Golly's third period English 10 class. She is starting them on an SSR and book report project, so of course wanted to bring them in to get some great books.

She asked me to speak to the class and show them how to find SSR books -- no problem. Or so I thought... In a class of 37 students, 27 are boys - mostly reluctant readers. What a challenge!

Never fear -- I relied on the Guys Read folks to help me out. The book Guys Write for Guys Read edited by Jon Scieszka is a valuable resource on so many levels. It gave me an opening short read for the class and a closing funny poem. It also helped me remember all the best authors for that tough group - reluctant boy readers.

I think the visit went well. Most students left with a book that caught their attention. We plan to meet on a regular basis to keep the momentum going.

Wish me luck...
LL

RBV 25th Anniversary Celebration

2011-10-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last night the library hosted the 25th Anniversary reception for past and present RBV staff. What a great turn out. The library was packed. It was so exciting to see Longhorns that we haven't seen in years. Everyone looked great and had a wonderful time reconnecting.

I have posted an Animoto video remembering the past 25 years at the bottom of the blog -- check it out. You never know who you might see.

Also, if you stop by the library over the next day or two, you will be able to see the display of old staff shirts, photos and other RBV memorabilia.

Hook 'em Horns
LL

Playaways are here!!!

2011-10-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

There is an awesome new addition to the RBV Library collection. Stop by to check it out. All of the details are on the big blue bulletin board.

Here's a clue...

You will now be able to listen to great books from our library. Playaways are amazing palm-sized book and audioplayer all-in-one devices.

Try one today!

LL

SSR Books

2011-09-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year when many students are required to bring novels to English class for Sustained Silent Reading -- lovingly called SSR. Students often complain that they don't like reading. Not to worry, I can help you with that!

If you do not like to read, it's simply because you haven't found the right book yet!!!

Finding a good book is as simple as A - B - C.

Ask - that's what your library staff is for - just ask us to help you. We know all the tricks to find just the right book for you.

Blog, Bookmarks, and Brochures - check here for a running lists that the librarian has read that you might enjoy. Also, there are videos on the RBV Reads blog that share specific genres of books.
Additionally, on the front check out counter there are brochures and bookmarks that feature some great reads.

Catalog - every computer in the library and any internet-enabled computer off campus has access to our catalog of books. It's called Destiny, and it is your one-stop place for all things library. There are many ways to search for a book that is perfect for you. Destiny also has many links to important sites for research, information, and fun.

So don't be shy, Longhorns, come on in and get to know your library and find a great SSR book in the process.

LL

Welcome Back

2011-09-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Longhorns,

Welcome to the 2011-12 school year. The library will reopen for business on Tuesday September 6, 2011. I can't wait to have you come back.

I have lots of new books ready for you. Check out the special displays -- many sequels to some great reads are here for you.

Here's a little teaser for you -- I will be added something brand new to the collection in the coming weeks. I am very excited about it and hope you will be too. Watch for details!

The after school extended hours will continue this year and will start on Tuesday. The same staff as last year will be working it, and we'll get the CSF tutors on board as soon as we can.

Enjoy the long weekend. See you Tuesday!
LL

Destiny at Home!

2011-05-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Great News! You may now access Destiny, the library catalog, with all its excellent links and support for your research projects from home. Go to http://destiny-1.vusd.k12.ca.us/ then choose Rancho Buena Vista in the high schools box.
Use the button in the top right corner - Create Account - to make your own log-in and password. The account gives you access to even more features of Destiny. If you need any help, just stop by the library and we'll show you how.

LL

Library Use for IB/AP testing

2011-04-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

I just want to give everyone a heads-up that the month of May brings some closures to the library. Many of the IB and AP tests have so many takers that classrooms are too small. The library is one of the larger venues (along with the gym and PAC) that is used when this happens. The calendar for these closures has been sent to all staff and is posted all over the library. I have asked to have it posted on the RBV website as well. Please check this calendar before assuming the library is open during May.

LL

Did you have a nice Spring Break?

2011-04-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed his or her time off. Not everyone was off work. Our amazing custodial crew cleaned the library and shampooed the carpets while no one was in here. It looks great! Thank you custodians for all your hard work.

Did you read some good books during the break? Did you know that you can write reviews and make recommendations to your friends through Destiny? Make sure you have a Destiny account, then log on and give it a try. You can always stop by the library to ask me if you need help with this.

Testing season is right around the corner. Good luck and please do your best on the upcoming CST tests. Watch for more information about closures the library will have in May when the AP and IB tests begin.

LL

Podcasts - now available

2011-03-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Check out my new gadget on the right side of the blog. Listen to my podcast about James Dashner's Maze Runner.
LL

New Skills

2011-03-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

I am at an intense training at the county office where I am learning so many new tools and tricks. I've created a Pod Bean account that will allow me to create my own podcasts. My first entry is stictly a text entry. It has been linked below as a post to this blog. By the end of today, I hope there will be an audio podcast available to listen to my tickler on James Dashner's book Maze Runner.

LL

Maze Runner by James Dashner

2011-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Maze Runner by James Dashner

March News

2011-03-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

The library is busy this month with an intense author study project by Mrs. Owens and Mrs. Beatty and their English 10 Honors classes. All five classes had a presentation on how to use Destiny and the literary criticisms available here in the RBV library.

Erica R., my period two TA, has put up a new bulletin board for readers of series novels. There are some great titles featured and some new ones on order. Look for matching bookmarks coming soon created by my wonderful intern Rachel R.

Spring break is just two weeks away! Don't forget to stock up on some good books to read while you are enjoying the time away from school.

Speaking of good books...I just finished Maze Runner by James Dashner. If you liked the Hunger Games trilogy, you will like this book. The second title The Scorch Trials has just been out for a short time. I will be putting it on my spring break reading list.

LL

Starbucks Book Drive

2011-02-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Our local Starbucks district 1011 is hosting a book drive to support VUSD libraries. Rancho provided a list of books we'd love to have for our library, and they've been included on the Amazon wish list created by local Starbucks district manager Katherine Miller. Flyers with all the details about the book drive are available in the local Starbucks, the RBV library and front office. If you can't get your hands on a flyer, just go to http://www.amazon.com/ and enter d1011bookdrive@yahoo.com under wish lists. The book drive runs through March 13th.
This is a great opportunity for the Rancho library (and all VUSD libraries) to receive some great new books.
Thank you Starbucks!

LL

News from the Book Club

2011-01-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

I just heard from Mrs. Hendries, the book club advisor...
The next title that the club will read is Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins. Copies are on order, so it will just be a little while longer before everyone can get into this spoof of the latest in paranormal fiction.
A sequel is due out in March. I have it on pre-order for the library, so fans won't have long to wait if they really like the first book.

LL

Semester Two Begins

2011-01-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that first semester is wrapping up with final exams this week. That means that one of the library's busiest times has also wrapped up -- the career research for Junior Exhibition. As I participated in scoring portfolios and sat on a panel on exhibition day, I was delighted to see such great student work. At the same time I was sad that this 15th year would be the last. They say all good things must come to an end. I now look forward to the next chapter.

Our fundraising events last month were a great success. Thanks to eveyone who supported us at Barnes & Noble and Chili's restaurant in Oceanside.

Next week the library will experience some closures while we are distributing textbooks. Signs will be posted when we know exactly what they will be.

Now on to second semester!
LL

Book Club Fun

2010-12-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

Today I was invited to join the book club for their holiday celebration. What a great group of kids! Everyone is excited to have time during winter break to read the latest selection City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.

Book Club members will be participating in our Barnes & Noble Oceanside bookfair and giftwrapping event next Tuesday 12/14. This promises to be a fun and profitable event for both the library and the book club.

LL

Pages and Handouts

2010-12-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

I've added some more new pages, but I must say it wasn't all that easy. Please remember that if you are looking at the Sample Paper or Sample Works Cited that you will have to adjust accordingly when you use Word. The spacing on the blog looks a bit off, but if you format correctly for double spacing in Word, your papers will look just fine.

There are hard copies of all the handouts available in the library. For teachers, the soft copies are available on the public K drive.
LL

New Pages

2010-11-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

Keep watching on the right side of the blog for new pages. Each one is an entry that will help students with research, citation, and MLA skills.
Let me know if you have any special requests or feedback.
Hope you find them useful.
Enjoy your week off. Happy Thanksgiving.
LL

Big News - Save the Date!!

2010-11-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

The RBV library will be having a fundraising event on Tuesday December 14, 2010. The event will be running all day at both the Barnes & Noble bookstore (including online and NOOK purchases) and the Chili's restaurant in Oceanside. There will be extra events at the Barnes & Noble in the evening. Look for our event table, a giftwrapping for donations spot, and an author signing. Local author Kiersten White will be signing her book Paranormalcy - a can't put it down, great read. Please mark your calendars for this exciting event. All proceeds earned from Barnes & Noble, the giftwrapping table, and the Chili's restaurant will be used to purchase books for your library. Flyers will be distributed as the event draws closer.
Thank you for your support.
Longhorn Librarian

Horrible Reads

2010-10-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Looking for something spooky to read as Halloween approaches? There's a new video below that offers many scary suggestions. Also, don't forget to check out the displays in the library and the Horror resource list available on Destiny. LL

Learning new things

2010-10-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Today I played with Voki and created an avatar to put on my blog. It is fitting that I chose a cat. I love cats and have three at home. I hope to offer mini-tutorials for students who also might be interested in learning some fun tools on the web. LL

RADCAB Research Skills

2010-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Check out my latest video linked below. This short clip will help you remember how to identify great sources when researching for a school project.