Celebrating National Library Week

During National Library Week, we will celebrate both school libraries and public libraries! In the Brimmer Lower School Library, Ms. Rosellini sees each class for 30 minutes each week. Library class starts with a lesson (such as a read-aloud, a research challenge, or a Digital Citizenship topic) and ends with book checkout. In addition to the print and audiobook collection, each Brimmer student also has access to Sora, a website and app that includes e-books, audiobooks and magazines. Ms. Rosellini also coordinates author visits, clubs, and a Battle of the Books trivia competition for grades 4 and 5.

In our increasingly digital world, you may be wondering: what do libraries in 2026 offer to my child? Libraries are an invaluable resource for families for many reasons:

• Going to the library with your child sends a powerful message: you are a reader and reading is important.
• Libraries offer kids the freedom to choose their own books and voice their preference as to what they would like to read.
• Elementary students acquire new reading skills and develop new interests at a rapid rate. As a result, they need new books regularly to meet their expanding intellect.
• The children’s rooms at public libraries are stocked with books of all genres. Even better, they are staffed by knowledgeable librarians who can help kids find books that match their current reading level and personal interests. When children explore and discover books and topics that excite them, they are on a path to becoming lifelong learners.
• At the library, kids discover an abundance of authoritative, physical resources to help them with their academic pursuits and their quest for knowledge. While the internet offers infinite information, sources are not always accurate, appropriate, or comprehensive.
• Most libraries offer more than books: they also lend passes to local museums, zoos, and aquariums. Some libraries even have a “Library of Things” which loans puzzles, games, toys, tools, and other educational materials.
• Visiting your local library is a great way to connect with your community. Most libraries offer special events, such as movie screenings, crafting, and author visits.
• Your local library is a cultural institution, and may feature art exhibits, collections, interesting architectural details, and even outdoor amenities. 

If your child does not yet have their own public library card, National Library Week is the perfect time to get one. When a young person gets a library card, they gain a sense of independence and connection to the community. In addition, they grow from the opportunity to be personally responsible for the card and the borrowed materials.

There is a public library near you. The Boston Public Library system features the iconic Central Library at Copley Square and an impressive 25 branch libraires. Only a handful of towns in the Commonwealth do not have libraries.

How Will We Celebrate National Library Week (April 19-25) at Brimmer?
Library Joy Activity: Students will have a chance to write what brings them joy at the library. Their finished products will be hung up throughout the library. 

A Library Map: We will make a “Where We Have  Public Library Cards” map. Since we are a community of readers, we are going to place a pin on each Massachusetts town where a Brimmer community member has a library card.

Read-Alouds: We will read and discuss special books to celebrate reading and libraries.

Library Trivia: At lunchtime, students will have the opportunity to answer trivia questions and learn about libraries in the United States and around the world.