Library News 2020-2021
#StopAsianHate
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Jun 11, 2021In case you missed our in-person book display last month, please check out our online AAPI book list. If you have any additions (or subtractions) to suggest, please let us know!
Find Your Summer Reading Books
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | May 20, 2021It's time to get our summer reading on!!
Question: Where can I get my summer reading books? Answer: Lots of places!
Our Sora collection will be adding extra copies of summer reading books through the Commonwealth eBook Collections. See Getting Started with Sora for detailed instructions. You can also add several Massachusetts public library collections to your Sora account for even more access!
The AHS Media Center will have limited copies of summer reading titles in print. We generally make these available in the fall so students can use them for assessments (for example, if you borrowed and returned a public library book over the summer) but if you need to borrow something over the summer, come and talk to us. We will have books from the AP Biology reading list available for summer checkout in June.
Robbins Library always purchases many copies of AHS summer reading titles, so availability in print and digital is usually excellent. As of this post, Robbins is open for lobby and contactless pickup options (request your books through the online catalog) as well as 15 minute browsing appointments. Check their online catalog for availability.
Some summer reading books may be available on Hoopla, which is accessible through Robbins Library and the Boston Public Library. Hoopla is a great option because their books are always available without waitlists. We will update this page with more information when title lists are available.
Local bookstores are another good option, and the Book Rack in Arlington always stocks AHS summer reading selections.
For your personal summer reading, remember that you have access to Sora all year, including summer vacation. The Sora Sweet Reads program includes 13 great high school books and audiobooks which will be available without waitlists through August 20. Also watch the Robbins Library Teens page for information about the public library's summer reading challenge!
As always, if you have any questions please contact AHS Media Center staff so we can help (we even provide personalized book recommendations by request). Happy reading and have a great summer!
GSA Book of the Month: Carry On
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | May 7, 2021Our May book of the month is one of my favorite authors! And if you like this one, there's a sequel.
CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell presents a compelling tale for Harry Potter fans. A world of magic, mages, a Chosen One, and the school rival he spends excessive amounts of time thinking about may seem familiar, but it becomes its own unique and intriguing story. Read as Simon Snow faces his last year at magical boarding school, the Humdrum, the absence of his irritating, handsome, smart and possibly blood-sucking roommate, Baz, and the truth of his existence.
— Isabel, Class of 2023
Welcome Back to the Library!
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | May 3, 2021These slides welcome students back to the AHS Media Center and explain our current offerings and expectations.
Or if you prefer, watch the two minute video version!
Pets Caught Reading
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Apr 26, 2021Thanks to everyone who entered and voted in the library's first and possibly annual CATCH YOUR PET READING contest. Your furry, feathered, and scaly friends made us smile. And now the moment you've all been waiting for!
Our winner for Favorite Traditional Pet Caught Reading is ... Cooper! Congratulations to Madyson Walsh. Honorable mentions go out to Juno, Burberry, and Tom Brady.
Our winner for Favorite Non-Traditional Pet Caught Reading is ... Peguig by a beak! Congratulations to Alessandro Drake. This was a particularly close race with honorable mentions to Stanley and Guépard.
Our winner for Favorite Staff Pet Caught Reading is ... Fatty! Congratulations to Ms. Colyer. Honorable mentions go to Malte and Henry and Bruno, as well as Butters and Willy.
Poetry Open Mic
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Apr 1, 2021In honor of National Poetry Month, the Student Library Advisory Committee is hosting our annual POETRY OPEN MIC @ YOUR LIBRARY on Monday, April 12 at 3:15pm. We will be on Zoom this year! The link has been emailed to all students, or ask Ms. Kitsis if you need it. Read an old favorite or an original composition, in any language you prefer. Sign up to read ahead of time using this form. Sign ups during the event are also welcome. We hope to see you there!
GSA Book of the Month: Fans of the Impossible Life
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Mar 31, 2021Our April book of the month is realistic fiction for people who love big feelings and character development. Enjoy!
FANS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE by Kate Scela is a book about three teens who struggle through sexual awakenings, abuse, and mental health. Jermey is drawn to Maria and Sebby and their world of adventure and heartache. This beautiful novel captures the world of three friends falling in love with each other and finding their way home.
— Em, Class of 2023
GSA Book of the Month: Once and Future
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Mar 1, 2021Our March book of the month is the science fiction mashup ONCE & FUTURE. If you can read this recommendation and not want to read the book, then I don't even know you.
ONCE & FUTURE by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy is set in a futuristic world where King Arthur is set to save the world, except the previous 43 King Arthurs have failed, and this next King Arthur is a girl. Will she be able to do what all others have not? This book has swords! Space! Dragons! And LGBTQ+ representation! What more could you ask for?
— Anna, Class of 2023
Library Covid Expectations
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Feb 9, 2021Students are expected to adhere to the following behaviors in the library:
Sign up online before entering the library for a study hall
Sign in and select a seat when you arrive
Wear your mask at all times over your nose and mouth
No food or drink
Observe social distancing of 6 feet or more
Wipe down your chair and table area before and after use
Remain in your assigned seat and do not move furniture
Wear headphones when Zooming or watching videos so as not to disturb others
Sign out if you need to leave before the end of the block
Not sure why we have these new policies? We hope these explanations will help.
GSA Book of the Month: Fun Home
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Feb 6, 2021Our February book of the month is the groundbreaking graphic novel FUN HOME.
The graphic novel FUN HOME, written and illustrated by Alison Bechdel, portrays her true life story and her own journey coming to terms with her identity. Taking place partially in her childhood home, the Bechdel Family Funeral Home, her present and past selves come together to tell the story of how both her and her father’s struggles with sexuality and mental health shape their lives as they come to terms with who they are in different ways.
— Greta, class of 2023
Public Library CONNECT is Here!
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Jan 15, 2021Now AHS students and staff can access books from Robbins Library directly through Sora without even needing to put in their public library cards!
GSA Book of the Month: Lies We Tell Ourselves
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Jan 4, 2021The GSA Book of the Month for January is LIES WE TELL OURSELVES by Robin Talley. Add it to your must-read list!
Set in late 1950s Virginia, LIES WE TELL OURSELVES by Robin Talley tells the story of a group of children tasked with desegregating an all-white school. Sarah faces daily abuse from her peers, who despise their new African American classmate, while struggling with her attraction to Linda, the daughter of a vocal segregationist. Linda grapples with reconciling the beliefs of her father with the African American girl she finds herself drawn to. This coming-of-age story tackles the intersection of race, sexual orientation, and faith in a historical context.
— Isabel, Class of 2023
Happy Everything!
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Dec 18, 2020Best wishes to all for a peaceful and rejuvenating vacation. If you would like to pick up a library book to read over break, I will be distributing on Wed. December 23 from 8:30-11:30am. Please place any requests by 3pm on Tuesday to guarantee a response.
Introducing the GSA Book of the Month!
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Dec 3, 2020We are so excited about a new partnership with the GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) to share a book (or two) of the month. These will be student-created spotlights on great books.
Our first book of the month is BROOKLYN, BURNING by Steve Brezenoff. Please enjoy!
GSA BOOK OF THE MONTH: DECEMBER
BROOKLYN, BURNING by Steve Brezenoff is a story of two summers tied together by a tragic accident and love. Kid and Scout are pulled together by music and might just last past sunset. It is a thought-provoking and emotion-filled story. I just wanted to keep reading it over and over.
— Em, Class of 2023
Your Next Great Read
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Oct 15, 2020Looking for your next great read? Let us help! If you want to get borrow a book from our AHS Curbside Library or find an ebook or audiobook on Sora but don't know where to start, we've got you covered!
Complete this online Book Recommendation form to let us know what kinds of books you are interested in and we will get back to you with a list of personalized recommendations. Place a hold on any you choose and we'll hook you up. You can also contact Ms. Kitsis for assistance by email or to set up a Zoom appointment.
If you would like to request a specific book, please follow the curbside library instructions to request it through the library catalog. If you are learning in person we can also deliver books to your classroom.
AHS Curbside Library
Posted by Stacy Kitsis | Sep 25, 2020Take the AHS Media Center to go! The AHS Curbside Library is coming!
Beginning today you can request library books online and pick them up from the AHS parking lot on Wednesday mornings. Our first curbside pickup will be Wed. September 30 from 8:30-11:30am.
Our books have missed you all SO MUCH and can't wait to go home with you. Read the AHS Curbside Library instructions and start placing your requests!
