Friday, January 30, 2015

Patron's Ask, Librarians Answer: Homework Help



Question: Do you have any homework help resources?
Answer: Yes we do!

One of these homework help resources is Brainfuse, which is offered through the digital branch of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Live-brary.com.



Brainfuse has a number of features designed to help all types of students study in a variety of different ways.  Here are some of the main features available:

Live Study Help - With this feature you get live online help from expert tutors
Skills Building - A learning library with that contains thousands of lessons, quizzes and tests to help you study any subject
Writing Lab - Have your paper edited by an expert and receive online assistance
Ask a Question - Ask any question any time of day and receive a written response from one of the available tutors
Language Lab - Live language help for online learners
LEAP Learning Platform - LEAP helps you to build academic skills through targeted lessons, quizzes, and live, online tutoring.  Primarily helps you to prepare for college.
FlashBulb - This feature allows you to create and share flashcards, tests, and games.
MEET - Meet online for a study session with all of your friends!
Brainwave - Create and share movie-like notes and ideas.


View a presentation here for more information about how to use this resource, or watch below.





Databases store different types of information in various formats, such as text documents, images, videos, etc. and make them accessible online to a variety of users!



Another great resource we have for help with research projects and homework questions are databases specifically for children.  Also offered through our digital branch, these databases can be accessed from multiple places, including the library's webpage, live-brary.com's online resources webpage for kids, and this blog, under the Resources tab. 

Check out our printable bibliography here, which provides detailed information about each database, or pick one up in the Children's Room when you visit!



Last, but not least, a great resource for homework help are your Children's Librarians!  If you have any questions about Brainfuse, or if you can't decided which database is right for you, or if you just need to find a book to help you complete an assignment, your librarian is the best resource around!


Just remember, we're here to help you find what you need!


(Credit: Sarah McIntyre, http://jabberworks.livejournal.com/525413.html)




Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Dewey's Number of the Week: Bats

Dewey's Number of the Week is...

599.4
OR
BATS

Was that your guess?  Good job!


Click this link to get our printable list of books about Bats!
Now, for some bat facts...

Click on this link to read, Bat Myths Busted, from National Geographic for Kids

or
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about bats from the San Diego Zoo!

Check out this video from Wakaleo Animal Channel on YouTube featuring some baby bats who were brought to the Australian Bat Clinic after they were separated from their mothers.




Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Dewey's Number of the Week

Dewey's Number of the Week is...

599.4

Tell us what topic you think this number covers in the comments section below and check back next week to find out what the answer is!  

We'll have a fact sheet and list of books related to the subject available.

Good luck!

Hint: If you're stuck, don't just look it up online, come in to the library and check out our non-fiction section!  Or ask a librarian for help!



FAQs About the Dewey Decimal System



Who is Dewey?

Melvil Dewey was a librarian who lived from 1851 to 1931.  He was so unhappy with the way the books were NOT organized in his library that he created the Dewey Decimal System.  This system is still used today in libraries.




What is the Dewey Decimal System?

It's a system that breaks the non-fiction books up into different subjects, assigning a range of numbers to specific subjects.  Each book is labelled with a specific call number according to its subject, so when items are put on the shelves in Dewey Decimal order, all the books on one subject will be together.  This makes it easier for us to organize the shelves and for you to find individual books when you need them.  If you want a book about dinosaurs, you will find all the books about dinosaurs in the same area on the shelves, regardless of who the author is.


What is a Dewey Decimal Number?

A Dewey Decimal Number always has three numbers to the left of the decimal point.  There is no limit to how many numbers can be after the decimal point.  The more numbers that are added after the decimal, the more specific the subject.  For example, a book with the number 567.9 will be about dinosaurs in general, but a book with 567.91290228 is about a specific dinosaur.


Source: http://library.barrie.ca/children/library/dewey.htm

Friday, January 16, 2015

1000 Books for the New Year

In October we officially launched our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.  We just want to remind you that this program is ongoing throughout the year and you may sign up for it at any time.  Additionally, if you have already signed up, don't forget to bring in your reading logs.  Every time you complete a reading log you get a prize!


Here are the numbers so far:

6 children have reached 
50 Books!
2 children have reached 
100 Books!
and 1 child has completed 300 Books!

Keep up the good work!



Recommended books are marked with a special sticker, but you can read any book you want!  Just be sure to mark it down and bring in your log so you can get your prize!  Check out the display in the front window of the Children's Department at the library to browse through our selection of books.


If you do not know what 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is, keep reading to find out how the program works!








What is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?

It is a free reading program that promotes early literacy.  The concept is simple. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, or toddler and keep track of how many you read. The goal is simply to have read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten.


Is it possible to read 1,000 books that quickly?

Absolutely! If you read just 1 book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think!

The library will facilitate the program by helping you to keep track of how many books you have read and by handing out prizes as you reach different milestones in the program.


Why should I participate?

Good question!  Early literacy is an important part of your child’s early education.  Reading together each day will help them to prepare for kindergarten and the educational demands they must eventually meet.  


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Dewey's Number of the Week: Greek Mythology

Dewey's Number of the Week is...

292.13
OR
GREEK MYTHOLOGY



Did you guess Greek Mythology?  If you did, you got it right!


Follow this link for 10 Facts about the Ancient Greeks, from National Geographic for Kids


OR 


follow this link to learn all about the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece!


OR


Come to the library and check out any of these awesome books!


Click this link to get our printable list of books about 

Greek Mythology!


  



Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Commenting

We have adjusted our settings so that people may comment on posts.  Please post in our comment sections!  We apologize for the inconvenience.
Sincerely,
The Children's Department  

Dewey's Number of the Week

Dewey's Number of the Week is...

292.13

Tell us what topic you think this number covers in the comments section below and check back next week to find out what the answer is!  

We'll have a fact sheet and list of books related to the subject available.

Good luck!

Hint: If you're stuck, don't just look it up online, come in to the library and check out our non-fiction section!  Or ask a librarian for help!




FAQs About the Dewey Decimal System




Who is Dewey?

Melvil Dewey was a librarian who lived from 1851 to 1931.  He was so unhappy with the way the books were NOT organized in his library that he created the Dewey Decimal System.  This system is still used today in libraries.




What is the Dewey Decimal System?

It's a system that breaks the non-fiction books up into different subjects, assigning a range of numbers to specific subjects.  Each book is labelled with a specific call number according to its subject, so when items are put on the shelves in Dewey Decimal order, all the books on one subject will be together.  This makes it easier for us to organize the shelves and for you to find individual books when you need them.  If you want a book about dinosaurs, you will find all the books about dinosaurs in the same area on the shelves, regardless of who the author is.



What is a Dewey Decimal Number?

A Dewey Decimal Number always has three numbers to the left of the decimal point.  There is no limit to how many numbers can be after the decimal point.  The more numbers that are added after the decimal, the more specific the subject.  For example, a book with the number 567.9 will be about dinosaurs in general, but a book with 567.91290228 is about a specific dinosaur.


Source: http://library.barrie.ca/children/library/dewey.htm

Saturday, January 3, 2015

The Polar Express

On Monday the Children's Department shared movie time with the adults!  Everyone watched the Polar Express together and had a blast.  Children received their very own Golden Ticket and hopped on the train with our conductor to follow the tracks that went throughout the library!  Check out some images of the event below and follow the link to see more!



View more images here: 
https://goo.gl/photos/wPmNXpCAxuwZsTAw7




SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS OF EVENTS TO US!
We will share any photos submitted!
Email: bayportbluepointlibrary@gmail.com
(Email Subject: ATTN Emma Soper, Photos for Blog)