Down at the library we've begun the tedious and arduous task of rearranging the collection. With well over 13,000 physical items in the library it feels like it will take a millennium to complete. With the help of our wonderful TA's and the amazing Instruction Support Personnel, we should have the library back in shape in no time. 

My first few weeks at Wakefield Memorial High School have been a whirlwind. Now that summer seems like a distant memory it seems high-time for an update on all the awesome things happening down at the Gov. Volpe Library.

First of all- we've brought on an amazing team of Teaching Assistants that help run the library including: Devon Anderson ('14), Camden Ballard ('14), Florence Forges ('14), Ariana Geller ('15), Kaleigh Quigley ('15), Colleen Tibbetts ('15), and honorary TA Emily Nin ('16). Our team helps keep the library tidy, decorates, assists in collection development, shelves/processes/catalogs, and assists students. 

The Bowl of Doom has only had a few victims, much to its dismay, but to my delight. Students have embraced new library procedures and culture. 

This website is coming together slowly but surely. Some features of the site include resources by subject, a Volpe Learning Commons Vlog (Youtube videos about some of the items you can use in the library), some info on our top secret Volpe Archives, and tons more. We've also integrated technology into our sign-in and travel-log system using Google Forms. We hope to bring the library into 21st learning standards little by little as the year progresses. 

Aside from the website we've made some pretty major changes to how the space is used. First, and perhaps most importantly, we've shifted from the stuffy silent library model to a learning commons module. The library is a dynamic place. It's a place to decompress, it's a place to laugh, it's a place to find information for both recreational and academic reasons. We've moved the chairs around to give the place a different feel and to encourage collaboration and discussion. We also hope to expand our collection to include more updated items (including DVD's, CD's, MP3's, and eBooks). We also hope to use the Gov. Volpe Archives and its materials in a more meaningful way. 

Below is a mini-slideshow of the library from this year. As you can see we've made a lot of changes (and taken a few too many awesome library selfies). The WiFi in the library is working great and there's been an increase in laptop and tablet use since the beginning of the year. 

More news to follow soon- as always, you can ask Ms. Kelly for help any time via email. 

-Ms. Kelly

PS: I'm currently reading 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher.