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Article from Education Week about the importance of the school libraries
Article from Education Week about the importance of the school libraries
276 Library Mission
276 Library Mission
If we look closely at the natural world, we see there is no one way of being. Diversity is not only beautiful and inspiring, but it is also necessary. It is necessary in the natural ecosystem as well as in the human-made one. Not only is it essential to our and the planet’s physical health, but it is also essential for healthy minds and societies. If we believe there is only one right way to be, think, look, love, or solve problems, we create unjust societies, prejudice, and inequality. By keeping our minds open, flexible, and inquisitive, we see a world of possibilities, we see the world as it is, and at the same time, we allow others to fully access these possibilities.
In the library, we seek views, perspectives, knowledge, understandings, emotions, and realities of the world. In the space for our makers, we seek knowledge, experiences, understandings, skills, problems, and solutions that undermine the idea that there is only one way to make something, one way of thinking about a problem or solution. We embrace the ambiguity and complexity of our world with ingenuity and boldness.
As we acquire knowledge, skills, and new understandings through the library programs, our minds are more flexible and ready for the discomfort and work required to see the world as it is, and to live joyfully within it as just, creative, and problem-solving human beings.
Joy of Independent Reading
Joy of Independent Reading
One essential aspect of our library's mission is to promote independent reading and book selection. Empowering students to choose their own reading materials has been linked to lifelong reading and increased literacy skills. As students bring books home to read on their own or to have it read to them by you, I encourage you to engage your children in conversation about their choices, interests, and book formats. Every child’s reading needs and interests are unique. Please, be mindful that it takes time, and plenty of trial and error for children to understand themselves as independent readers, and still their preferences are bound to change as they get older.
Multifaceted and Diverse Learning Hub
Multifaceted and Diverse Learning Hub
The library offers many programs and services - some are integrated into other subjects, some are offered during class visits to the library, and others are part of the recess activities. We also have exciting events planned for the year, including book fairs, author visits, career day, scavenger hunts, and more.
Possible Only With Volunteers’ Help
Possible Only With Volunteers’ Help
Most of the library events and programs need families’ participation and support to be successful. I rely on volunteers for shelving books, organizing materials, creating visual assets, clerical work, assisting during Fab Lab and Art classes, leading clubs, and helping out with special events.
Your involvement makes a significant difference in our library's offerings.
I am looking forward to engaging students in new and exciting opportunities to learn, share their voices, and grow as caring and unique individuals.
Help Needed!
If you would like to volunteer in the library on a regular basis or help out with a particular need, please view this spreadsheet with a list of areas where I need help and contact me at btov@schools.nyc.gov, or just email me.
Scheduled School-wide Events
Scheduled School-wide Events
Fall 2025 Book Fair - 10/24-10/31 (more information coming soon)
Career Day 2026 - 01/15/2026 after school
Spring 2026 Book Fair - 05/18-05/22/2026
Maker Faire - 06/03/2026
Maker Faire 2025
Maker Faire 2025
Fab Lab Elective won the "Overall Excellence" award for the roof garden planters at the Citywide EmotiCon Challenge organized by Mouse AI League!
Fab Lab Elective won the "Overall Excellence" award for the roof garden planters at the Citywide EmotiCon Challenge organized by Mouse AI League!
Library Calendar
Library Calendar
Sora continues to be an amazing source of great free reads! Its collection keeps on growing. There are thousands of titles from just for fun to texts that support your learning in class. You can also borrow and read NYPL ebooks and audiobooks on the Sora app. All in one place!
To install and set up Sora on your device follow these Sora installation instructions. To log in, use your DOE account (DOE password reset).
Go to Research for links to databases with amazing resources. This is an additional source for academic information that you can rely on while completing your assignments for ELA, SS, Math, Science, ...
How to reach Ms. Basia and news about the library and Fab Lab programs:
This website!
btov@schools.nyc.gov
Follow the library on Instagram @bpcschool.lib - Library news & events and pics from library happenings
(a private account only for parents and school's staff, needs my approval to be viewed and followed - make sure to check Instagram messages to respond to my security questions)
Follow the librarian's public Instagram @basialibrarian (no photos of students without permission granted)
The Me I Choose To Be
The Me I Choose To Be
2021-2022
All students at PS/IS 276 were invited to participate in this art installation project that is a result of a collaboration between the art teachers, Amanda Capalbo & Rachel Sharpstein, and the librarian, Basia Tov.
Read the project statement and view more photos (PDF document)
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