Students come to the library every week for a thirty minute lesson and book exchange. During this period, a lesson is presented which is either connected to the classroom curriculum or a special event. Specialist and classroom teachers meet regularly in order to connect these lessons and integrate them into the broader curriculum. In the event that a class fills the entire thirty minutes, students can return at another time, convenient to the classroom schedule, to borrow a book. We are open all day, every day for book borrowing, and encourage students to take advantage of our collection.

The K-5 Library Media Curriculum consists of a sequential progression of skills which integrate literature, 21st century information and technology skills with grade level curriculum topics. Students will be able to recognize the work of certain key authors and understand the different genres in literature - poetry, fiction, nonfiction, biography, and folklore. They also learn the structure of the library in order to gain access to the resources they need for research. The goal of the program is to produce independent learners who can find an appropriate piece of literature for themselves, frame a reference question, locate the appropriate resource, and find the answer. Many of the Massachusetts State Frameworks and Core Curriculum standards are addressed within the library curriculum.

The Library Media Center contains an up-to-date collection of books, ebooks, periodicals, videotapes, audio tapes, and DVDs - all accessible from the computerized card catalog network (Destiny). The collection is also accessible from the classroom computers and from home through the Wayland Home Page. We also have World Wide Web access, subscriptions to on-line encyclopedias, and connections to the Minuteman Library Network with a database of over 25 libraries. All of these resources are available to the students individually, in small groups or with their classes.

Throughout the year we encourage student reading through several avenues. From November to March, fourth and fifth grades are involved with the Massachusetts Children's Book Award.This program, sponsored by Salem State College and open to all fourth, fifth and sixth grades in the state, encourages students to read from a list of 25 nominated books and to vote for their favorite. Their votes are tallied and sent in early March. The winner, as voted by the students of Massachusetts, is announced in May. Children's Book Week in November, National Poetry Week in April, and Read-Across-America Day on March 2 are other opportunities for encouraging students to develop a love of the written word. In addition, every summer the three elementary school libraries publish a Summer Reading List to guide students in their summer reading.

Also known as "The Birthday Book Club", or "The Happy Hollow Happy Occasion Club", this program encourages families to contribute books to our library in honor of a special teacher, a birthday or other happy occasion. We have a selection of books which we set aside for students to choose. The book is then presented to the student in his or her class and he or she is the first one to check it out. Families can participate at any time by filling out the donation form or sending a note in to the library. Over the years this program has enriched the Happy Hollow Library immeasurably.

The Happy Hollow Library welcomes the help and expertise of many fine volunteers. Both parents and Senior Citizens volunteer their time to help students find books, check in and out books, return them to the shelves, and perform other tasks such as covering books or designing bulletin boards. Volunteering in the library is a nice chance to interact with students in a friendly environment or work behind the scenes in a support role. We have regular time slots for volunteers on a weekly or biweekly basis or on an as-needed basis for those who can't commit to a regular slot. Speak to a member of the library staff if you think you'd like to participate in our volunteer program.

Follett Shelf
Happy Hollow Library Collection
Minuteman Library Network
World Book On-Line Encyclopedia
American Library Association For Newbery Award Winners For Caldecott Award Winners

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