BOOKS
At present, the library has approximately 12,000 volumes (books!), and the collection is fairly balanced across each grade and reading level. We collect information primarily in English, but a small percentage of the yearly budget is used for Spanish and Catalan books. These foreign language resources serve two purposes: (1) to offer reading material to those students who are only just embarking on their English studies, and (2) to support the school's Spanish and Catalan programs. We also collect a small amount of material in French to support the French language program.
VIDEOS
The Librarian and the Curriculum Coordinator recently collaborated and opened a subscription with Discovery's United Streaming, a huge, online database of streamable educational videos. The library also owns about 500 videos, which are educational in nature (including motion pictures) and which aim to support specific content from the school's curriculum. Most of these videos are in VHS format, and some are on DVD. We are no longer collecting VHS tapes (naturally!), but we will be increasing our holdings of DVDs over time. In addition to our video collection, on our internet resources page you will find links to some fantastic educational websites that allow you to stream a variety of videos for free.
DATABASES
In additional to the above-listed materials, we also maintain a subscription to a package of quality research databases produced by the company EBSCO. EBSCO is one of the largest and most diverse database providers in the world, and these resources provide students at all levels with access to a vast amount of material for research and study. They are available to the entire school community and may be accessed from home as well as school. Please contact the Librarian for the username and password.
ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM
Accelerated Reader is a software program for elementary students, by which they can take multiple choice comprehension tests when they finish reading certain leveled books that we have in the library. Students progress up the levels as their reading ability increases. The leveled AR books can be located by browsing shelves or by looking books up in binders we have, in which the books are listed by title, author and level.
MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS
We currently subscribe to the following newspapers and magazines:
- The International Herald Tribune
- La Vanguardia
- Mundo Deportivo
- Mad Magazine
- National Geographic
- National Geographic Kids
- Ranger Rick
- Rolling Stone
- Sports Illustrated Kids
Keep in mind that you can find the latest articles from literally hundreds of publications within our EBSCO database subscription.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Because the study of foreign languages is so important at our school, we also have a number of book/CD packages which serve to enforce listening skills in collaboration with reading. We also own some music CDs and aim to increase this collection in the future.
THE FUTURE
Libraries today are exciting places. With the rapid advance of technology in recent years and the ease with which information can be transfered (in such a wide variety of formats), many libraries worldwide have managed to stay on the cutting edge by extending their service into interesting new areas. At BFIS we believe in the importance of keeping abreast of important new media possibilities and deciding which ones might best serve our community. Keep a look out for potential changes and additions to come.
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