October 2020

In this issue...

Library Times: How to Access the Library this Fall

We have been working hard to get the word out, but in case you've missed it... the Library is OPEN!

But things do look a little bit different this year. For the most part we're seeing these changes as opportunities. We think we're developing new systems which will actually make it easier for our students and staff to access resources and assistance from the library and library staff. In fact we may continue to offer many of these new or adapted services even after "the Big Germ goes away" (as my three-year-old likes to say). A few of the services we've developed are:

  • Remote book checkout (with options for picking books up inside the building and outside)

  • Book return bins stationed in both halls and outside the building to make it extra easy for you to return library materials any time (and to ensure that we can properly quarantine returned materials to keep everyone safe)

  • Library appointments - so you can come in to browse the collection in person, receive readers' advisory, or get some help with research

  • Continuous maintenance and updates to our library website which includes links to extensive digital collections for leisure reading and research

  • Window displays - bringing the library to you!

You can read more about how to access the library, and watch tutorial videos on our website here. Additionally, Ms. Binder and Ms. Barnes are available via email to answer questions, set up appointments (in-person or virtual), or help guide you to useful resources. Please feel free to reach out to us any time!

Window display for Banned Books Week

Window display for the 100th anniversary of Women's Right to Vote

Research News: New Databases from FactCite: The Lincoln Library Online

We've added some wonderful new resources to our digital research collection. Four databases from FactCite: The Lincoln Library Online offer students access to thousands of primary documents, great biographical entries for world figures, excellent U.S. History documents and resources, and a database focusing on the study of countries of the world. Articles in the databases can be read or listened to, and citation information is clearly provided. It's even possible to link citations directly into NoodleTools if students are using that resource. Want a tutorial? Email Ms. Binder. And see below for a bit more about each database.

Click on the FactCite logo to check out the new databases. See login information here.

U.S. and World Biographies

  • Browse by place of birth, subject, nationality, and other categories

  • Use the "Find Similar Articles" link to find more information or related information

Defining Moments in U.S. History

  • Browse by era

  • Peruse a detailed timeline through important moments and eras in our nation's history with links to related articles

  • Topic entries include in-depth information, related biographical entries, primary documents, research topics, a glossary, and resources for further study

Milestone Documents

  • Browse by world region and/or era

  • Many entries include not only the primary source itself, but also an overview of the topic, information about the author, analysis and context, even a glossary

  • Link to similar articles from each entry

Countries and Cultures

  • Search by World Landmarks, Ancient Empires, Chinese Dynasties, and World Regions, or simply browse by country

  • Each country entry includes statistics, basic introductory information, and more in-depth information about the country's climate, plant and animal life, geographical features, government, history, and people

  • Find links to additional resources for each country

Opportunities: Literacy, Engagement, and Enrichment

Vermont Reads 2020 Experience*

This year's Vermont Reads book is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. If you haven't read it yet, now's your chance! And if you have read it, but would like to read it again or explore it a little more deeply, this is a great opportunity to do just that. You can read all about the experience (and the opportunity to win a $25 gift card to Phoenix Books) on the Vermont Reads 2020 page of our site. But here's what you need to know:

  • Ms. Binder has a number of copies of the book ready to give away for free - if you want to participate, simply email Ms. Binder to get your free copy of The Hate U Give

  • Read the book - this is the only part of the experience that is required!

  • If the book piques your interest, start reading, viewing, or listening to related stuff - there is a whole list of related books, movies, videos, and podcasts available to you - you can print out the list and use it as a checklist to track what you do, then email Ms. Binder with your progress

  • You have from now until the end of December to finish the Vermont Reads experience

*This experience is open to anyone in the CSD community...students, parents, teachers (though only students will be entered into the drawing for Phoenix Books).

Global Read-Aloud of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

You can participate in the global read-aloud on its own, or combine it with the Vermont Reads 2020 Experience. This one's simple: Ms. Binder and Kelsey Psaute (YA librarian at the Burnham Memorial Library) will be reading and posting a chapter of the book each week. Anyone in the Colchester community is welcome to listen/view/follow along each week. Learn more here.











New Books in the Library

Fall is always an exciting time for new books...this fall we've added over 100 new books to the collection. Check out the slideshow below to see a sampling of what's new and click here to view the entire list* in our catalog!

*This list includes only print copies, but many of these titles are available digitally as well. Check the catalog to see full listings.


New Books slideshow Sept. 2020