Welcome to the Blackwell Library
“The first essential in any book is that it have something significant to say –a book that leaves the reader with bigger ideas than when he began reading – that stimulates his thinking, stretches his mind, deepens his feelings. A good book sticks to your ribs.”
– Rebecca Caudil
Philosophy
The Blackwell Library is an important educational resource for teachers and students. It is a learning and information center. Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Buzek provide experiences to stimulate reading and develop in students a desire to read, while also providing a teaching/learning environment for the classrooms.
The Blackwell Library is much more than books. It is a learning center with a full range of literature and technology resources used to support student achievement. It’s a place to help students develop a love of reading which they can use to explore the world through their imagination and literature!
We welcome makerspace activities to the Blackwell library. A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school or library for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools.
Book Checkout Policy
Kindergarten: One book
1st /2nd grade: Two books
3rd-6th grade: Two books and magazines
Students can renew books at any time. Lost books are the responsibility of the student. A fee will be charged if not found.
How to choose a “Just Right Book”
The Five Finger Rule
If students are not sure if a book is “just right” they can use the Five Finger Rule to help them decide.
- Open to a page of the book.
- Begin reading.
- Each time you come to a word you don’t know, hold up 1 finger.
- After you finish reading the page, check to see how many fingers you are holding up.
Too Easy: 0 – 1 fingers
Just Right: 2 – 3 fingers
Too Hard: 4 – 5 fingers
Award Winning Books
Newberry Medal Book Awards
Monarch Book Awards
Rebecca Caudill Book Awards
Blackwell Elementary