A lot of fun and learning go on in the Marengo Library, which is home to more than 18,000 great books. Students visit the library each week as a class to hear age-appropriate stories from every section of the library and every corner of the world. In addition to story time, students are given lessons in language arts and library skills and also have the opportunity to borrow books.
Marengo Library provides students, faculty and staff with resources that support curriculum, books that foster a love of reading, and an educational environment that promotes curiosity, compassion, empathy, problem solving, independent thinking, awareness of the larger world, and self-reflection.
What Wonderful Books Will Students Find This Year?
Please consider volunteering in the Marengo Library this year. Working in the library not only helps the library to run smoothly, it’s a great way to spend time with your child and his/her classmates in a happy, nurturing, and stimulating environment. When children see parents volunteering in the library it reinforces the importance of reading. Plus, it’s fun!
All library volunteers are required to attend a training session prior to working in the library. Training sessions are offered at the start of every school year, and on the first Tuesday of every month at 2:20 pm. Individual training sessions can also be arranged, if necessary. You can email me (Robin Becker, Librarian) at [email protected] and we can set up a time to meet.
To sign up to volunteer in the library go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/13577DD05A4CBE5C71-marengo3#/
If you have any questions, please contact our Library Liaison, Rachel Garcia Criswell, at
4th and 5th graders are welcome to join the Book Club. We start with the California Young Reader Medal chapter books, and students vote on others to read as time allows. If you've got one of those reluctant readers at home, encourage him to join. We have amazing discussions, and it is sooooooooo much fun!
The Marengo Library has a small collection of books that deal with subjects like divorce, illness, adoption and puberty. These books are available for parents to check out any time.
Marengo's "Peaceable Kingdom"
Allen Manzano, the grandfather of former Marengo students, Ben, Tim and Jeremy Becker, created this painting based on Edward Hick's 19th century painting, "The Peaceable Kingdom." The Native Americans and Quakers in Hick's original work have been replaced by children reading. Marengo students enjoy looking at the surreal and fanciful animals that gaze back at them with a kind of calm curiosity. Mr. Manzano also added images of peace--olives, a dove nesting in a tree, and even a peace sign on Jeremy's t-shirt--to reflect the peaceful feeling that can be experienced in the library. A big shout out to Mr. Manzano for his vision and artistry.
A highlight of the library program at Marengo is our participation in the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) program. Students read or hear books that have been selected by a statewide committee of teachers and librarians, and vote for their favorites. Students are invested in the books they hear and read and the program promotes a love of reading, critical thinking, and teaches students the importance of voting.
The following is a list of this year's nominated books:
Dozens of Doughnuts, written by Carrie Finison and illustrated by Brianne Farley
The Good Egg, written by John Jory and illustrated by Pete Oswald
Grumpy Monkey, written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang
Parker Looks Up, written by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry and illustrated by Brittany Jackson
We Don't Eat Our Classmates, written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Dinosaur Lady, written by Linda Skeers and illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Holes in the Sky, written by and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
This Way, Charlie, written by Caron Levis and illustrated by Charles Santoso
The Canyon's Edge, by Dusti Bowling
Gold Rush Girl, by Avi
The Lion of Mars, by Jennifer L. Holm
The California Young Reader Medal program is another resource for popular titles your students might enjoy. The site lists all current and previously nominated books and winners. Go to: http://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/
Images from Previous CYRM Contests
(Voting is Serious Business!)
Dear Marengo Families,
Here are a few tips to encourage a love of reading: