Monday, October 27, 2014

It Takes a Village...


Somers Library card and key chain
Through a wonderful and successful cooperation between the Somers High School and the Somers Library, we have opened or replaced over 200 library cards for 11th and 12th grade students!  Pamela Read, the high school librarian and teachers Christine Drysdale, Carol Lieto, and Michael Agostino were instrumental in making this wonderful idea into a reality. 


As we move further and further into the digital age, it is so important that students master the use of online databases and ebooks as this has become a necessary skill for high school and college learners of today.  A library card not only gives access to books, but patrons have access to many digital resources:
  • Digital databases such as online encyclopedias, online literature resources, online academic and general journal articles, online newspaper articles, and more.
  • Ebooks and downloadable audio books (Overdirve, Freeding, Totalboox, and OneClick)
  • Digital Downloadable music (Freegal) 
  •  Downloadable music and video (Hoopla)  
  • Downloadable comics (Comics Plus)
Visit our website at somerslibrary.org to access these collections.  

The Somers Library and Young Adult Librarian, Tara Ferretti, would like to thank the Somers High School for this productive collaboration! 

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The Somers Library Battle of the Books 2014! Congratulations on a job well done!


Earlier this year, we asked for Somers volunteers from grades 4th through 9th to represent the Somers Library in the Westchester Library System first annual Battle of the Books.  The Battle of the Books is a book-based trivia tournament for Westchester youth with the goal to promote a love of reading in kids and teens, to expose them to titles and authors that they might not encounter otherwise, to encourage them to think of their local public library as a resource for entertainment and to inspire teamwork and good sportsmanship in an atmosphere of friendly competition.  The battle teams are broken down to 2 levels:  one with teams from grades 4th-6th and the other from grades 6th-9th.  Each team was expected to read five books, practice with their teammates for the battle and then represent the Somers Library on October 18th 2014 at the Battle of the Books! 

Early on, we knew we had some bright, eager, enthusiastic kids willing to take this challenge! During the summer, each team member was given copies of the 5 books for their team, which were generously sponsored by the Friends of the Somers Library. We met as a large group during the summer as well to get to know each other, to think up team names, to create our distinctive tee shirts, and to participate in team building exercises.   
The Somers Library Battle of the Books Team 2014

When the start of the new school year began, each team split up to work as separate groups.  The Lightning Books, the 6th-9th grade team, and the Lightning Books Jr, the 4th-6th grade team met 8 times during the 6 week period from the start of school to the battle date! On the evening before the battle we had a Pizza Party and Pep Rally to show them how much we appreciated their hard work.

On Saturday morning October 18th, our teams showed up at 9:00am at the Scarsdale Middle School where they battled against teams from other libraries in Westchester County.  Both teams made a good showing!  The Lightning Books were only eliminated after a grueling third round and the Lightning Books Jr. were eliminated only after a challenging fourth round!  Although the Ossining Library team won for the older bracket, and the Bronxville team won for the younger bracket, the two teams from the Somers Library are winners in our book!!! We could not have asked for a more hardworking and dedicated group.  The Somers Library would like to thank the team members, as well as their parents, volunteer coach Holly Rivlin, and the Friends of the Somers Library. 
The Lightning Books Jr.
The Lightning Books

Lightning Books (6th-9th team):  Alex Chuang, Sara Chuang, Max Caron, Jordan Cowie, Mackenzie Curcio, Matthew Kushner, Dominique Pugliese and Sofia Toledo.
Lightning Books Jr. (4th-6th team): Braeden Barry, Carleigh Carbonaro, Leigha Carnow, Hunter Rose Duffy, Keira Ferretti, Zoe Hopper, Maria Klimentova, Maggie Parsons, Hannah Roth and Jay Wilkinson

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Is There An App for That?

http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs107/1102662661497/img/865.jpg?a=1116987564184It seems like there's an app for everything, from boredom busters through meal planning and more. How do you know what some of the best apps are to download? Shopping for apps can be daunting and overwhelming, so where does one start? The library offers a variety of books about apps that you can check out, or you may request to be placed on a holds list.

  • The Rough Guide to the Best iPhone and iPad Apps
  • The Everything Guide to Mobile Apps
  • iPhone and iPad Apps for Absolute Beginners
  • The Rough Guide to the Best Android Apps
  • Google Apps Express
  • Amazing Android Apps for Dummies
  • Best iPad Apps
  • Google Apps for Dummies
  • 101 Killer Apps for Your Pocket PC
  • Incredible iPhone Apps for Dummies