Wash your hands...

Mepham High School Library Bulletin Board

LibraryTrac

We have new procedures in place here when entering the Mepham High School Library. We are using LibraryTrac, it's an "application that allows libraries/media centers to keep track of their daily users and why those users are coming to use the library. The application allows librarians to designate reasons for using the library, as well as document what teacher students are coming from. It allows librarians to collect and analyze logged in user statistics."

When you enter the library, using the camera (or Snapchat) on your Smartphone, scan the QR code displayed at the circulation desk. A link will pop up at the top of your screen. Click the link and fill out the form with your first name and last name (you can leave teacher blank if you are visiting the library during a free period). If you are having trouble, please see either Ms. Stack, Ms. Gellerman, or the teacher on duty for assistance.

Students can also get an advance pass to the library by going to the Mepham High School Library website, and clicking on "Advance Pass to the Library." Students can then select the day (up to two days in advance) and period they plan to use the library. This is a nice feature because space is limited. Only 25 students are now permitted in the library during a period. This is temporary due to the global pandemic and our need to properly socially distance within the school building.

It's Been a While Pirates...

Welcome (back) to the library Mepham Pirates! We haven't seen many of you since March and we MISSED you! This global pandemic has brought about a lot of changes and you may notice some of them when you walk through our doors, but rest assured this is the same warm and welcoming place it has always been.

Mepham High School Bulletin Board

The physical space looks a little different with our new barriers up. We have also removed over half the chairs (including our beloved comfy coffeehouse-style chairs and 4 coffee tables) and computers so that social distancing can take place. We are now limited to 25 students in the library during a class period. If a class is scheduled, we will adjust the number accordingly, so that at maximum only 25 students are in the library at any one time. Students are required to stay the entire period (of course you can go to the bathroom!). We will post a sign outside the library doors when we reach capacity.

Barriers up in the Mepham Library to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Until further notice, we will be checking out library books to students and teachers via “curbside checkout.” Students and teachers can send email requests via this Google Form. Books will be delivered to the teacher’s classroom or mailbox with a post-it indicating who the book has been checked out to. Only staff will access shelves for library books. (Remember this is only temporary!)

A daily book return container, labeled with the day of the week, will be positioned in the main foyer. Books will be quarantined for seven (7) days prior to check-in or handling. They will then be sanitized and returned to the shelves.

The Makerspace will be closed for the first semester. It is temporarily housing two computer workstations.

Hand sanitizer is mounted outside the library doors and stationed at the circulation desk. Signs regarding CDC safety and social distancing guidelines are displayed throughout the library.

Our library hours have changed. We will be from 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. The library will not be open BEFORE or AFTER school for cleaning and sanitizing purposes. We also have new procedures for visiting the library. A post explaining these will be up shortly.

If you have any questions about our new procedures, please let us know. We are here to help.

Summer Reading 2020

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Once again Mepham kicks off its summer reading program. Students can select any book they like. We just ask that they keep two things in mind:

• Please select a book that is appropriate for high school. You should not have read this book before, either in class or independently. You can choose fiction or nonfiction novels, graphic novels, or plays. Essay and short story collections/compilations are OK.
  
• Please complete the book prior to the first day of school in September. Your English teacher(s) will ask you to write a reflection on your summer reading selection in the beginning of the school year.

More information, handouts, and book suggestions can be found here. Also, remember to check out the Mepham High School Library eBooks and audiobook page for free resources. 

Why should you read...

You all know what a big fan I am of TED-Ed. Well, they started producing a series of video lessons titled Why Should You Read... And it's perfect for high school students. Check out the one below on Moby Dick by Herman Melville.

You can explore all TED-Ed videos here. 

Coronavirus and Technology

Many technology education companies are offering their services at reduced rates or for free, as we navigate these unprecedented times of mass school closings. One such company, BrainPOP (which we currently subscribe to), has a video that does a wonderful job of explaining the Coronavirus to students. It is linked below. Students can access all BrainPOP resources by going to the Mepham High School Library Website and clicking on the Database tab. Once you land on this page, hit the "Click Here for Databases." The databases are listed in alphabetical order. Click on BrainPOP. These databases are password-protected. Refer to your username and password handout or stop by the library if you need an additional copy. You can always email Mrs. Stack at sstack@bmchsd.org with questions.

BrainPOP

BrainPOP Coronavirus Description

It can be scary to hear about a disease outbreak, but learning the facts can help ease your mind. A new coronavirus—a type of virus named for its crown-like shape—emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019, and then spread to people around the world. While the most severe cases often dominate the headlines, they’re not the whole story. Most coronavirus cases have been mild, and healthy bodies can fight off the infection on their own. Find out more about how viruses work, and the best ways to prevent them from infecting more people. Viruses can’t spread without our help, so click play to learn how not to help them!

Women's History Month

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Check out the displays throughout the library celebrating Women's History Month. If you are looking for even more books written by women authors, novels with female characters, or biographies of women, please see the librarian for suggestions. We have lots of different options!