In June 2016, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) announced their 25 Best Apps for Teaching and Learning. The apps encourage qualities such as innovation and active participation, and are user-friendly.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet is experienced from a whole new perspective with the use of this app. The reader can make their own plot choices, and read from the point of view of Hamlet, Ophelia, or King Hamlet. This app can help start conversations about how Shakespeare has been adapted over the years, and also about the different impacts that can be created by a change in setting and point of view.
This review from Touch Arcade gives the app five stars and explains the features in detail. The review warns the beginning may be a bit slow, but the story becomes very entertaining as you continue. This post from Steam also includes several reviews from individuals as well as a video of the app.
Cost: $5.99 Level: Middle and High School Platforms: iOS and Android
Each month we’ll bring you a compiled list of fun national holidays, birthdays of authors, and publication dates of favorite books. You can use these for your own personal use or for some library inspiration! Share what inspired you in the comments.
Library people love books, and they usually tend to own quite a few. Keeping these books organized can present challenges, especially if you own a lot of them.
This article from Buzzfeed has some really unique, yet totally do-able ideas for organizing and displaying your books. Check it out and discover:
using an old ladder as a shelf and wall decoration
incorporating plants into your bookshelves
using rope lights to highlight your collection
Follow the hashtag #bookshelf on Instagram for more pretty inspiration, or check out this article that features 15 Instagram accounts especially for book lovers.
And of course, Pinterest has a wealth of bookshelf ideas to enjoy. Just be warned – you could spend a lot of time perusing all the shelving options!
Orville watches over some of the books and plants here at CMLE Headquarters. Do you have your books or bookshelves organized in an interesting display? Send us a picture!
On Monday, Feb. 27th at 9am (before the library is even open!) we will gather at the front door and enjoy a tour of the library!
Please let us know if you are going to join us! (RSVP at the bottom of the post – feel free to RSVP for our other events, too!) These events are flexible, so should you need to leave early, we understand.
These visits are a chance for us to get a glimpse into other libraries to learn about the differences and similarities that we all face in the library world!
Please let us know if you have any questions, and we hope to see you Monday! 🙂
Storytime is a fun and important time in all libraries. In order to get even more out of storytime programs, the Library of Virginia has created 12 new videos on how to “supercharge” your storytime.
They define supercharging storytime as incorporating two main characteristics: intentionality, where they focus on making connections between the storytime activities and early literacy, and interactivity, so both the kids and parents participate and get more out of the program.
You can find more resources, including videos and links to articles, on early childhood literacy expert Saroj Ghoting’s website here.
Learn the basics and benefits of supercharging your storytime by watching this short video:
Partnering with libraries for visioning, advocating, and educating
In June 2016, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) announced their 25 Best Apps for Teaching and Learning. The apps encourage qualities such as innovation and active participation, and are user-friendly.
Orville watches over some of the books and plants here at CMLE Headquarters. Do you have your books or bookshelves organized in an interesting display? 
