You may remember the library's title guessing contest back in February. Students tried to figure out the titles of the books on Ms. Yukari's shirt, called Storytellers (and sold at threadless.com). Well, someone made a cake based on the shirt and it cannot be cuter!

Click through the slideshow to see how she made the cake.

MBUSD is implementing an iPad pilot program in the fall of 2011. Each elementary school will have one whole grade level participating in the program. Teachers can integrate the iPad into their curriculum for up to one hour each day with their students. The hope is to increase participation and collaboration using tools such as e-texts, video, and innovative education apps. FAQs can be read here. For more information, read about the program here. Specifics of the plan are outlined in the .pdf file below.

I purchased an iPad for personal use but I'm hoping to integrate apps into the library program, especially with the pilot program students. I plan to work with the classroom teachers and Karina Gerger, the Teacher on Special Assignment, to use the iPad in the most effective way possible in the library.

I'm also excited about being able to use the iPad to help students search for books using the new Destiny catalog. Unfortunately, our library only has one computer available to search for books. In the past it wasn't unusual to find me in line with the students, waiting for a turn to use OPAC. But with my iPad I'll be able to search for books while on the move throughout the library.

[edited September 2, 2011: Wireless access is not available across the entire campus. I'm hoping to gain access as soon as possible so that I can start using the iPad in the library. In the meantime, I may visit the second graders in their classrooms to show them how to use the Destiny library catalog.]

I'm still exploring the many possible uses for the iPad in the library. There are so many resources online I'm a bit overwhelmed. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

The Robinson Library is now on Google+. Please add the library to your circles. You can access the library's Google+ at bit.ly/AboutRBLib.

(And if you're not following the library on twitter, please do! @RBLib)

Some of the students (and parents) may have noticed that the number of graphic novels and comics in the Robinson collection has increased since I began my tenure as the Library Media Specialist. I'm a big fan and advocate of graphic storytelling. That's why I'm so excited to be attending (with my soon-to-be 6th grade son) Graphic Guise: Books Undercover on August 20th. The guests are amazing: Bob Boyle (Hugo and the Really, Really, Really Long String), James Burks (Gabby & Gator), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), and Dan Santat (Sidekicks). You can find more information about them here.

If your child enjoys reading graphic novels, and especially if their reading has benefited from graphic novels, I really encourage you to attend this event. Kids will get to meet and interact with the artists and try their hand at illustrating and storytelling. Parents can learn how to effectively use graphic novels as a literacy tool.

The group organizing the event, Bridge to Books, is made up of local people interested in children's literature and literacy; they're teachers, librarians, book bloggers, booksellers, and of course, readers. The event is being organized on a volunteer basis and we'd love to see people spread the news about this sure-to-be-amazing event.

Please purchase tickets by August 13. Hope to see you there!