News

Welcome to another year! We are dusting off the books and getting ready to open our doors. The library is scheduled to open the week of October 5th. Thank you to all of you who have volunteered to help out with library times. If you have not signed up but would like to help it is never too late! Contact Melinda Stockwell at melinda.stockwell@gmail.com to have your name added to the list.

Some information for new parents/reminders for those of you who should know:

• Grades K-3 are allowed to take out one book at a time ? Grades 4 & 5 can take out two books

• Parents can also take books out – please see a committee member to find out more about setting up an account.

• There are no fines for overdue books but please do try to return books in a timely manner. Late notices will be sent out to remind you. Remember, the books are bought with your donations to the PTO so please do your best not to lose them. If you really can’t find your missing book, you can reimburse the library with a check made out to Horace Mann PTO for $5 (magazine), $10 (paperback) or $15 (hardcover).

Save the Date for our annual book fair: November 14-19

The book fair is a great place to manage your holiday shopping so come prepared to cross those names off your list. The fair will be open during class library times.

In addition we will be opening one evening for our annual cocoa night and some afternoons after school. Watch for future announcements with more details.

Massachusetts Children's Book Award Program

We will be kicking off the Massachusetts Children's Book Award program with the 4th and 5th graders in the next month. There are 25 books nominated for the award and the winner is determined by votes from schools across the state. All 4th and 5th graders who read 5 or more of the books will be eligible to vote at our awards breakfast in the Spring.

Donate a Book

Did you know that we have an Amazon gift list? This is a great, no effort way to contribute to your school. You can find the wish lists on Amazon.com. Browse the list, purchase something and it will automatically be sent to the school. What could be easier?

Questions about the library?

Feel free to contact any of the committee members - Sioban Haldeman, Sophia Flaxen, Melinda Stockwell, Linda Giesecke, Angie Brenner, Linda Peet, Taylor Rubbins, Wendy Deeds, Jennifer Gukelberger, Nora Pile, Dana Russell and Jacquelyn Skane
Contact Sophia Flaxen at sflaxen@yahoo.com or 781-662-0672.

Other Resources

• In addition to our school library, the Melrose Public Library is a wonderful resource for students of all ages. Did you know that Noblenet has a site set up just for kids?  If you're looking for a good book, help with homework, or fun ideas for after school, check out Noblenet for Kids:  www.noblenet.org/kids

• Massachusetts Children's Book Award http://www.salemstate.edu/education/mcba