Arbutus Middle, Julia Rohde, Library Media Specialist

• Our supporters and community need to know that this allocation was a tremendous gift that will greatly impact every child who walks into a secondary school library in Baltimore County. The money allocated by the County Council for secondary libraries has made a tremendous difference in our collection. Because our building is old and our library budget was frequently small, our collection had become dated and insufficient for todays student research needs. Now I can offer students new books containing current, accurate information in an attractive format. Our reference section has undergone a dramatic transformation never before. In my 23 years in this library have I been able to afford more than a few reference books in a given year. We have been able to completely overhaul the reference collection to meet the demands of the Essential Curriculum. Our fiction collections is getting the attention, too. With several teams participating in a vigorous outside reading programs, it was sometime difficult to produce enough enticing novels for middle school readers. That is no longer a problem! the final group to visit the library on a given day still has ample choices.
  

Carver Center for the Arts and Technology, Lisa Allen, Library Media Specialist

• Collection development is an important functions of all school libraries as we strive to fill our mission to support and enrich the curriculum. The impact of this infusion of funds for the library has had a positive effect on the students and staff. As teachers came to the library for planning of research projects, I was able to show them current reference and nonfiction books in all areas of our collection. The new nonfiction books also expanded our collection to encompass more areas of student interest. Our fiction collection was increased to promote access to materials both required as outside reading and for recreational reading by students.
  
  A few teacher comments: This is amazing....Right on the mark books for many research topics...What a wealth of resources....Perfect!
  
  Best of all is the joy of responding to questions like: Do you have....? I 'm looking for....? With a big YES and find the book or answer in our own school library. It's a win-win situation; the student go with the books and information they needed and they come back looking for more!

Catonsville High, Carrie Terry, Library Media Specialist 

• Teachers say the quality of student reports has increased greatlt!
• We've increased our circulation 1,000%!
• The library is being used morningm noon, and after school in record numbers!
• We've decreased our dependence on the Internet!

Catonsville Middle School, Alyssa Smith, Library Media Specialist

• We have always emphasized the importance of reading for pleasure and now there is an abundance of fiction that motivates our students to read! Students are coming into the library to look for materials related to heir hobbies, interest, and leisure activities. Before they would ask for these kinds of books and I would have to suggest other community sources. Now we have something for everyone! A few teachers have commented:
  
  "At first glance, the appearance of the shelves is just tremendous! It's so amazing, now we realize how empty the shelves really were."
  
  "It looks like a REAL library now!"
  
  "Wow! That project was really easy. You had so many books to help the kids."

Cheaspeake High School, Kris Seskunas, Library Media Specialist 

• Our new collection has contributed to greatly to our culture of academic achievement and pride in Chesapeake High School. Our supporters and community need to know that at Chesapeake High School the impact of student and teacher access to a quality collection has been tremendous. One of our school goals is to improve reading and writing and our library plays a central role in achieving this goal. CHS has a high transient rate (50%) with many students coming from different states and countries. We also have a large special education and special needs population. In order to serve our diverse student body, it is essential the collection reach a range of reading levels. Teachers in all subject areas have been scheduling research lessons in the library and students have been "flying" through their projects because of the quality, availability, and currency of the reference materials we now have at CHS. The English Department has expanded the list of authors and books titles students may select for their research assignments to include many multicultural works that appeal to our diverse student body. We now have the materials to support these research projects at different reading ability levels. We have been able to provide a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction to met the interest and reading levels of students and staff. Students come to the library before and after school as well as during lunch to checkout books for reading outside of school as well as to work on school projects. it is exciting to overhear teachers and students discussing and recommending books to each other. The students who participate in our after school book discussion group now come to the library to find other books written by the authors we discuss and are finding new books for our group. Students comment often on how good it feels to have such a wide variety of attractive books available to them. For high school students looks matter, even when it come to books.
  
  An unexpected aspect of the impact of our improved collection is that is has provided an impetus to enclose our open space library with walls. This project has been planned for many years but never came to fruition. As our community understood the impact of our new collection, we were able to convey the importance of security measures. We anticipate the "walls project" to begin this July and be completed by the end of the year.

Cockeysville Middle, Phyllis Fullem, Library Media Specialist

• Our library has been transformed from a musty useless collection to a spiffy, enticing, informative collection. After weeding out the 1960's books on countries, science, etc., our collection was down to less than 5,000 useful items. Last year most of the student research was done on the Internet or Electric Library. This year our students look for information in books and often complete their research with well-written, authoritative information. Our whole school community is thrilled with the new library. Students comment that our collection is much better than that of other libraries. Parents are stopping by to borrow books for their elementary-age students or for their own personal needs. Parent volunteers have quickly unboxed, checked off, and shelved all the books. Each time we are amazed at how quickly the books find their way into students' hands fulfilling a need for information or reading enjoyment. We are currently waiting for new shelves to alleviate our wonderful lack of space and then we will rearrange the entire collection to provide better access to this tremendous resource.

Deep Creek Middle, Eric Hanson, Library Media Specialist

• Many teachers in our school have commented on how much different and better our library looks with the shelves full of books. There is a very high circulation of our new books. Students and staff members are constantly finding new books on subjects and topics we were missing before our new orders arrived. It have been much like watching children on Christmas morning seeing students and faculty members react to our new books and series that we could not afford before. Prior to the LOLA project, our library shelves were arranged so they looked fuller. Now we have spent countless hours re-arranging shelves that actually are fully occupied. It has become much easier for students to obtain good information for their projects since the new books came in. We are now really a library, not just a computer lab with some old books in it as was the case before this project.

 Dulaney High School, Christine Wozny, Library Media Specialist 

• BEAUTIFUL has been the word most employed to describe the new books that we've acquired for our library collection. Students are so impressed that the school library has THAT! This is especially true as student do research. The collection provides great resources for controversial issues - 300's and literary criticism - 800's. The teachers are also impressed with the quality and quantity of resources to support the implementation of their curriculum.

Dumbarton Middle School, Susan Donkar, Library Media Specialist

• New books enhance student learning! Student at Dumbarton have certainly enjoyed the bounty provide by the Baltimore County's LOLA book project! Old favorites are jumping off the shelves as students admire the shiny new covers and pristine pages. I had to practically beg a student to take the new copy of The Hobbit hat he was afraid to take home - it was so beautiful to him that he couldn't handle the thought that it might not come back "perfect." I assured him that I wanted the books to come showing evidence that they were read, loved, and enjoyed. Social studies teachers have raved about the increased support for their curriculum. Most have borrowed mini-libraries for their classrooms. Students are rarely turned away empty-handed in their quest for current materials for homework or research projects. Many student working on 6th grade I-Search projects have reflected that they were more successful using the new print sources than electronic resources needed for their research projects. I have been very lucky to have a responsible group of students, in addition to my parent volunteers, to help unpack boxes, check invoices, and arrange books in Dewey order for shelving. The ONLY negative aspect of the project is that I have not had time to read, handle, and enjoy all the books myself! :-)

Dundalk High School 

• This has been the best time in our professional careers. We have been challenged to recreate our collection to meet the multiple career completer requirements, to help teachers and students raise expectations in every classroom, to raise SAT scores, and to encourage leisure reading. We invited each department to work with us to identify resources needed and then to celebrate when the materials arrived. The huge stacks of red and white boxes got everyone's attention and the anticipation was met with the glee usually reserved for Christmas morning. Students and teachers volunteered to unpack and the excitement became contagious throughout the building. Our publicity efforts resulted in parent volunteers who have joined the celebration. Our shelves now glisten with the new books. Teachers and librarians are like proud parents as we see the students exclaim over the new resources. The students are excited to be the first to check out a title. They even love the smell of the new books!!

Dundalk Middle, Sharon Whitsel, Library Media Specialist

• Teachers have commented it is easier to prepare for their lessons with current resources located in our library. The library is much brighter and inviting. Students state that they enjoy visiting the library more often now because our library has such a wide selection of new books to read.

Eastern Technical High School, Cindy Gardina and Joan Mullen, Library Media Specialists

• It is refreshing to offer students books that we normally would not have as part of our collection. We have given students more motivation to read because we have such an exciting variety of books from which to choose.
• Teachers and students constantly tell us it is so interesting to come into the library now. There is always a new display of some kind, and the titles are fascinating. One teacher asked if she could just camp out here during the summer and read, read, read!
• Students who have come with classes and begun their research, then gone to BCPS continue it, come back and say that we have a better collection of materials to support their research assignments.
• Students share their opinions regarding fiction titles, and are now able to say "the library has several copies - check it out!"
• Teachers have said that the variety and quality of new titles have inspired them to develop some new and different curriculum related projects.
• The generous funding has allowed us to purchase some excellent standard, but costly, reference sets to support the art and music programs in our technical schools. Previous budgets couldn't cover the cost of even on of these sets.
• the library has been able to purchase copious fiction and nonfiction books for leisure reading, a category that previously was in last place on the purchasing priority list.
• One teacher commented that for the first time in a long while she felt her students could accomplish their research objective by just using the school library!

Franklin High School, Ann O'Neill, Library Media Specialist 

• This has been the most fulfilling year of my entire career! The response to our new books has been tremendous! Not only teachers, but a large number of students have recommended titles to purchase. As the books arrive, they are snatched up for student research, sometimes right out of the boxes into the waiting students' hands. Books for pleasure that are set around in special displays seem to disappear magically - poetry, teenage etiquette, backpacking, Black-Eye Susan nominees, yoga, Tai Chi, Princess Diana, and lost more. As I wrote in my thank you letters to the County Council, I get great pleasure approaching students who have have been unsessessfully clicking away on the Internet and leading them over to a number of book on the very topics that have eluded them in cyberspace. It has been incredibly gratifying to me to be able to place in the students' hands current and attractive books on all sort of subjects - and usually several books on the same topic. No longer do I have to be embarrassed, almost apologizing to them for the lack of a title or 1-2 old books.

Franklin Middle School, Barbara Gailunas, Library Media Specialist

• The faculty and students have commented positively and proudly about our "new library." Content area teachers have been pleased and excited to see all the new books available to support the curriculum. Students are eager to read new fiction! 

General John Stricker Middle. Kelly Ray, Library Media Specialist 

• Our school library media program has been revitalized, thanks to Baltimore County's special funding for secondary school library collection development this year. A dates, under-utilized collection has been transformed into a current, quality collection that support the curriculum, interests, and ability levels of our students. A glimpse into our library before and after the funding will illustrated this amazing transformation:

BEFORE

AFTER

Limited student involvement in book selection; students did not have a sense of "ownership" of the collection When classes visited the library for independent reading, many students complained that they were unable to find books that interested them Reference collection infrequently used; most reference books old, unappealing, and written well above students' reading levels Student intimidated by informational books with small type, few illustrations or text features Limited resources for supporting or enriching curricular units; teachers forced to obtain large numbers of books from the public library Very few books accessible or appealing to low readers Over-reliance on the Internet for current information in time-sensitive subject areas

Hundreds of student request for specific topics, authors, titles; every new shipment of books unpacked and shelved by student volunteers Increase in circulation; many students recommending books to friend and requesting recommended books Large collection of reference books written specifically for middle school readers and researchers; topics in virtually every curricular content unit are available Nonfiction and reference books with stunning illustrations and photographs and outstanding text features that are needed by visual learners Many teachers requesting special reserve collections for current units of study A large collection of high interest/;low readability books is on its way Students surprised to find information that eluded them on Interent is available in a new book; students are learning to use a wider range of resources and conduct more thorough research

Golden Ring Middle, Jan Tjarks, Library Media Specialist 

• Teachers have often commented about how great it is to finally find information on curriculum related topics. These topics were not available in our library last year. The students are happier and motivated to read - finding books on their topics and interests encourages them to read more. They have often commented that not only do we have one book on their subject, but several to select. One student said that she was very pleased that she did not have to make a special trip to the bookstore or community library. Everyone has been very pleased with not only the volume of books, but also the quality of books in their library.

Hereford High School, Barb Falikinburg and Mary Jane Daley, Library Media Specialists

• "This has been a year of hard work, but it has been the best experience of my 22-year library career! Sure would like to do it again next year." (Barbara Falkinburg)
  
• "These new books are providing us with one more way to shape the learning environment and, in particular, to fuel the love of reading books. (Mary Jane Daley)
  
• When the boxes of books started arriving, it was very exciting! It was almost an overwhelming task. As we began to pull books from the boxes, we started to match them to student research needs even before they went on the shelves! Placing al these books required major shifting of shelves and required additional shelving. What a terrific problem to have. Not only were our shelves full, they were full of appealing, timely, and useful items with current information that matched our curricular needs. How wonderful it is to say, "Let's check our catalog" rather than, "Well, let's see where else you can find it." We have become a one-stop shop for student and staff information needs! The empirical evident to support our perceptions is reflected in circulation statistics,. The majority of the books were on the shelves and ready to circulate by the end of January. February 2001 circulation figures showed a 28% increase over February 2000 and March 2001statistics show a 47% increase over last March!

Hereford Middle School, Adele Merti, Library Media Specialist

• With $216,00 worth of books being delivered throughout the school year, faculty, students, and parents are excited to see the transformation of the "old" media center into the "new," revitalized Hereford Middle School Media Center. Parent groups shelve books as do student volunteers. Faculty is delighted to discover the depth of the collection, and new ideas for lessons or modifications in lessons are being enthusiastically discussed. Students are really amazed that so many new books covering so many topics are available to them. There's a new, more positive attitude toward the library, a sense of confidence that if you're looking for information or for leisure reading, you'll find it at the "new" HMS Media Center! 

Holabird Middle, Sharalyn Luciani, Library Media Specialist 

• "I am impressed with how students are taking off in Readers' Workshop. They are motived to be the first to read one of our new books, to read several books from a series, and. since we have plenty to choose from, even exchange books for something else. What a difference!" Amy Polk, Reading Teacher
  
  "This is the first time in my tenure at Holabird that special area teachers such as Home Arts, Foreign Language, and Art have brought students as a class to the library for research. We had a abundance of materials for students to gather information from a variety of sources. Their research projects were outstanding!" Librarian
  
  "Wow! This is wonderful! It looks like a different place!" Ann Levin, Reading Teacher
  
  "6th grade students in researching countries of South America actually commented aloud that it was much easier using library books than searching online for information. As a matter of fact, they left the iMac lab to use the new print materials!" Social Studies Teacher
  

 Kenwood High School, Patricia Goff, Library Media Specialist

• Beginning with a shipment of 2294 books in early December, the library is sporting shelves stocked with up-to-date and interesting literature and reference books. On December 8, the library hosted a book-shelving celebration. Teachers and other staff were asked to contribute 15 to 30 minutes of planning time to help shelve the first shipment of 2294 books. The goal was to have teachers see the books that were ordered to support the curriculum they teach. Thanks to the help of approximately seven staff members each period as well as student aids, 90% of the order was check in and shelved in one day.  
• We currently have 12 classes sections doing issue-oriented research. Every student has been able to check out at lean one print source for their topic. It is wonderful to have such depth to the collection with copyright dates of 1998 or later and books written for students of varying ability levels.
• One teacher remarked, "It's so exiting to see more of the red and white Follett boxes arriving and to anticipate what else in new...."
• There are no complaints from students about not having sources they need. It's great not to hear, "I'll go to the real library for what I need."

Lansdowne High School, JoAnne Dement and Bernice DeBels, Library Media Specialists

• "The timing was perfect because my seniors needed books that were accessible, readable, and nicely illustrated....and that is what we found!"
• "Lots of books and up-to-date, too! What a treat!"
• "The students were thrilled that they could find so much relevant information on Shakespeare in their school library."
• "You mean that you have all these resources on African Americans here in the library? Fantastic!"
• "These books on the Holocaust are just what I need for my social studies classes. I'm glad that you have such variety - encyclopedias, biographies, and a number of books on World War II."
• "This is so refreshing. All these books on science! You'll be seeing my classes often in the media center."

. . . . and from the students

The above comments from faculty and students are proof that the new books are making a difference here at Lansdowne High School. Students and teachers are eager to use the center now because these new resources are attractive, relevant, up-to-date, and diverse. Thanks for helping us make the library media center truly an integral part of the learning process!

 Lansdowne Middle, Robert Ott, Library Media Specialist 

• The impact of the funding provided to our community is substantial. All members of our community have benefited from the new acquisitions. Our school was allotted $168,000. This money was spent on books only, and we purchased close to 10,000 books
  
  The biggest benefactor of this spending is the students. They have an almost entire new books collection. Enthusiasm for reading is most apparent! The students now have a variety of books to chose from when selecting one for leisure reading or to find materials to support their academic endeavors. Smiles are abundant when they can finally put their hands on the book they need.
  
  The teachers are also elated with the new collection. They can now supplement their classroom resources with current and varied reading materials. They is especially true with the new reference section of the library. Our new books have helped us created MSPAP simulation, MWT practice exams, and authentic assessments. This in turn has helped increase our students' academic achievement.
  
  Parents have also requested books for their children that I can now supply. It make me proud to be able to almost always answer book request with, "Yes, I have a new copy of that book, may I help you find others?"
  
  Finally, respect for libraries in general has increased. Student are happy to visit and browse the shelves. Responsible treatment of school property has increased as well; I notice children handling the new books with a lot more respect.

Loch Raven Academy, Joan Evans, Library Media Specialist 

• Having a quality collection of library books has had a tremendous impact on student research. Having current, grade appropriate resources that meet students needs and match the curriculum has resulted in better quality student products and less frustration for students, teachers, and library staff. Very often students are able to find the information they need quickly and much more efficiently than they are able to using some of our electronic resources.
  
  In addition, students are enjoying having attractive, current books for personal reading. There is a significant increase in the circulation of books for personal reading, including many students who come is several times a week and always find something appealing. All of this is contributing to showing students that their library media center is relevant to their lives as students and curious young people.

Loch Raven High School, Valorie Ritenour, Library Media Specialist

• Students became so excited when I unboxed partial sets of poetry, drama, novels, short stories for students during their research projects that they volunteered their lunchtime to come and unearth the remaining volumes. Entire classes have come to the library just to peruse new fiction, something that hasn't happened in years! What a pleasure it has been to be able to order from student recommendations for pleasure reading rather than attempt to support curriculum with limited funding as done in the past.

Middle River Middle, Lynn Edel, Library Media Specialist

• What a wonderful experience to have! It has been magical to see the faces of students and faculty as they scan the stacks with all the new books! It is such a pleasure to be able to have adequate resources for the research required by the Essential Curriculum and for our Expeditionary Learning Expeditions.
  
  I was delighted when this year there were over 150 sources available for the 8th grade Civil War expedition and I could tell students that more were coming! When the 6th graders examined environmental issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay we had the resources readily available without having to worry about two or three students sharing a single books. And as our 7th grade prepares to further study butterfly gardens for their spring expedition they will have adequate resources.
  
  I also had the pleasure of witnessing the awe, wonder, and sincere interest of our students and teachers as they helped to put these new books on the shelves. As each book was put away there were "OOHS" and "AHHS" as they looked at it and almost reverently handled it. We even used the shelving as an alternative assessment for 6th graders who had just finished a math unit on decimals. What a better way to see if they had mastered the material than to arrange books by their Dewey Decimal numbers.
  
  Our library has become a magical place to be. We always have student wanting to check out new books and our reading programs are booming. As one student told me, "It' s so neat to read a NEW book; it's so shiny and fresh." We truly appreciate the effort that was made on our behalf to fund this project and bring current books to the shelves of our media center!

Milford Mill Academy, Joanne Armstrong, Library Media Specialist 

• The currency, relevance, and attractiveness of our new books has prompted much enthusiasm for reading among our students. They are less frustrated when researching topics for class assignments. All of our student population of 1300 students is required to participate in a research project for the National History Fair. Our local school History Fair took place on February 25, 2001. This year more materials were available for students in our school library, especially one that contained the most needed primary source materials. When we recently hosted guest speakers, both former Negro Baseball League players, we were able to display many books related to the topic. Before the funding there would have been only one title. The books brought back many memories to our guests. The student enjoyed browsing through the book; most of them were check out after the program. A 9th grade English teacher and I have been collaborating on a project to encourage reading by adapting an idea found on the Office of Library Information Services webpage, The Reading Page - Reading Motivation Strategies. We are making great strides to get students reading again!

Old Court Middle 

• It's been an exciting year in the library media center at Old Court. We have already added over 7,000 books to the library's holdings and will add another several thousand more. Several hundred of these are references, and this gives me a reference section of which I can be proud.
  
  The most significant change in our library this year is a change in "spirit." Last year it was hard to "sell" people on bringing their classes to the library media center. This year, I can do it with enthusiasm. Last year, I could only push the things we had to offer: Internet access and word processing on Macintosh Power PC's that were five years old. Our print resources were few in number and mostly outdated.
  
  This year, I am inspired! With a new floor installed in the summer of 2000, the library began to be transformed: new books filled empty shelves, and students were using them, as I excitedly told teachers and students about all of our new offerings.
  
  I was motivated to transform the library media center into one that was as new as its books and computers: I asked Mr. Reid if we could have the library painted. The painters were already here doing the halls, so approval was granted. I purchased a dark red paint (Glidden's "Victorian Red"), and Bob went to work. I purchased the paint for the trim, which I painted myself. My wife and I donated our oriental rug, and with the purchase of some oriental accent rugs, the library is beginning to look like a large den-unlike anything else in the county, I can assure you, with some confidence.
  
  Not only do our students like the new look, but they also seem to be taking their work a little more seriously! Teachers also enjoy it, and some bring work to the library just because they love the new ambience. Occasionally, I play classical music at a low volume, which completes the scholarly, academic environment, which is welcomed by most teachers.
  
  All of this would not have been possible without the money and computers given to the school by the County Council and the Board of Education. While there is still much to do, we have come a long way, and I feel motivated and proud. For this, I am grateful.

Overlea High School, Kay Jones, Library Media Specialist 

• The $312,000 almost replaced our entire library collection. The former collection was so old, out-of-date information, and poor looking that student nor teachers used the library facility. Most comments were, "I've never checked out a books from here," and "I've never scheduled research project because there were no materials." Now thus library is booked solid with students conducting research! Students can't believe we have books on topics of interest to them. The funding has turned the library program around. It is now a place to read, browse, and research! 

Owings Mills High School, Jack Nelson, Library Media Specialist 

• "My students have gotten so much cutting edge information. They now know that books are as important as the Interent."
• "the information is well organized and informative. I can't believe that you got them on the shelves so quickly!"
• "I love the variety of materials the librarian bought! My students don't have any excuses anymore when they come to the library and say, "I can't find anything!"
• "Wonderful! Exciting! I want to read all of them."
• "the new books are great! We have substantially increased our holdings to meet the needs of a diverse population."
  
  ......and from the students
  

 Parkville High School, Cheryl Cohen, Library Media Specialist

• Giving my first book talk using our new collection was a real thrill! The teacher asked me to pull some of my favorite biographies/autobiographies and say a few words about them. The library tables form the shape of a "U," and the books were displayed so that the students could see all the titles as they chose their seats with the books staring them in the face. Talking as they entered the room, a hush fell over the students as their eyes canned all the new books. The silence was broken only by exclamations such as, "Hey, there's so and so! I want that one!" As I began my comments, I was constantly interrupted by students who, afraid that they would lose a book if they remained silent, would shout out, "May I have that one?" Never was I so happy to have students forget their manners and call out!
  
  Parkville students are becoming savvy library users and are quite proud of the fact that they recognize the importance of a current copyright date. A frantic senior entered the library a few weeks ago, look for books on psychological disorders,. I directed her to the appropriate section and then went about my business., In a few minutes she walked up to the circulation desk, her arms full of books. When she arrived at the desk, she commented, "Your books are newer than the main library."
  
  With that I replied, "Honey, this is the main library." She then went on to tell me that she had been at some other libraries and couldn't find any books with a copyright date of 1998, 1999, and 2000, which is all she found in this library. Since her class was coming to the library later that day, I said, "I'm going to use you as a poster child for this library. You can tell everyone what great books we have here."
  
  Appalled, she begged, "Please don't tell anyone that I came HERE to get a book!" Later that day when her class did come to the library to do research, by the end of the period I had a line of her classmates all waiting to sign out books. Since then that student has been in to get books for a German report, a technology project, and recreational reading. And she is no longer embarrassed that she came HERE to get her books!

Parkville Middle School, Sue Griffin, Library Media Specialist

• As one of the many secondary media specialists who has received part of the 10.529 million dollars to upgrade school library collections in Baltimore County, (to put in "Texas terms"), I 've had
  one heck of a year"! What a career opportunity for me as a media specialist to be a part of the biggest library collection development project ever to happen.
  
  School libraries are core to the learning of all students. School libraries impact student success. the LOLA Collection Development project puts current and appropriately selected materials into the hands of our students. The printed books found in the nonfiction, reference, and fiction sections of the library integrated with information technology such as Electric Library and Internet educational websites provides a rich information environment for all learners. A quick glance of the Library Schedule this year at Parkville reflects teachers and students signing up and using the library for reading, for research, and group presentation of both oral and published projects.
  
  Hats off to the Baltimore County Council, the Baltimore County School Board, and the Superintendent Staff for supporting our school libraries and the funding for this project. Truly, we are collectively putting books into the hands of our students.

 Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, Carol Mason, Library Media Specialist

• The faculty were amazed and pleased at the "New Book Party" when we covered all the library tables and several carts with the first order. They pitched in and helped shelve many books. The Tech Ed department is building more shelves to hold some of the new books. It is exciting to check out so many new books and the students say, "I'm the first person to check this book out." Author research is much easier. "I couldn't have done this assignment last year before our library had these new poetry books," stated an English teacher.

Perry Hall High School, Marjorie Simon and Beth Shapiro, Library Media Specialists

• Teachers are finding that will all the new materials in the library, students can do more effective research in less time. I am very grateful to the County Council for funding the LOLA project. Yesterday I revised a bibliography I had created in the Fall for the Contemporary Heroes and Heroines unit taught in 9th grade. I added twenty new sources to the list-- previously the bibliography had only sixteen titles. A teacher in Social Studies wanted to have his class research world cultures. I distributed to his class a bibliography of twenty-one sources. Only two of those sources were on the shelves of our library last year. Our Biology teachers brought their classes to the library to research genetic diseases. This year we had five relevant encyclopedias on this topic. Last year we had virtually no current print materials in this area. Two of our Chemistry teachers asked their students to research famous chemists and physicists. We had seven new sources for the students to use. The English faculty are thrilled with all of our new biographies and fiction as well as with all the additional sources on authors.

Perry Hall Middle, Joyce Caldwell, Library Media Specialist

• Faculty and students are THRILLED to see the new materials! I have shared them through content area meetings and student activities and ever-changing displays within the library. Many teachers have based lessons and student activities on what they have seen displayed. "Tea bag reading" has also been a great promotional tool with sixth grade reading classes. Click here for the Lesson Plan.

Pikesville High School, Charlene Wicks, Library Media Specialist 

• "This is unbelievable ... my students no longer complain about not finding information."
  Ralph Sapia, Social Studies Teacher
  
• "It's amazing! The same old space has been transformed at Pikesville. Newly modeled with lighting, carpeting, and air conditioning The most impressive additions are the many new books and computers.
  Otis Mitchell, Assistant Principal
  
• "The new books are wonderful! They are visually appealing and attract student to pick them up and READ!'
  Lynne Bridge, Library Secretary
  
• "The new titles ordered in the literature area have greatly enhanced my students' research. These title weren't available last year . . . my students would have been lost."
  Jake Vickery, English Teacher

Pikesville Middle School, Brad Foster, Library Media Specialist 

• "You remember books? They are what we used to read before we started discussing what we out to read." (Amanda Cross, American crime writer and academic)
  
  After years of neglect, students are no longer relegated to merely "discuss what we out to read." No longer mush our librarians always refer students to a "real" library when they come searching for resources for their research projects. Thanks to the foresightedness of the Baltimore County Council and the resourcefulness of the Office of Library Information Services, all secondary schools are now amply stocked with current, visually appealing, content supportive materials. "You have exactly what I need!" exclaimed an eight grader looking for information on the social consequences of violence in schools. Likewise researchers looking for the Exxon Valdez disaster, the Kennedy assassination, the Loch Ness monster, and the pros and cons of gun control are satisfied with the abundant works available local in their own school libraries.
  
  I thank you. All our county librarians thank you. And most importantly of all, our students thank you for providing them the opportunity to read . . . the opportunity to grow!

Pine Grove Middle, Anabel Trent, Library Media Specialist

• It's been such fun seeing our students so excited about reading the new books! Teachers are constantly asking to see the new arrivals which support their area of teaching. The faculty pitches in every time a new shipment arrives. This project has truly created excitment for learning!

Randallstown High School, Peg Morton, Library Media Specialist 

• Our library has experienced a renaissance! The teamwork of the educational community - library administrators, librarians, Board of Education, parents, and students - has resulted in an amazing $312,00 bonanza. This windfall has already translated into nearly 15,000 new books. The affect on the students and faculty has been a librarian's dream come true. this funding project has been a labor of love of many people. Its harvest will be the lifelong learners we graduate into the world!
  
  The bulk of our previous collection was 30 years old - patched, worn, and very dusty; not much of a temptation for teens today. I am delighted to report that since the new books started to arrive, our circulation has almost doubled. Students who use to brag that they had never checked out a book from a library, were suddenly "checkout out the books to read." It's wonderful to actually be able to respond positively when students as for a particular book. Even better, it warmed my heart when, just the other day, I overheard 2 boys arguing over who read the most! What a change! Not only has our new, contemporary Young Adult fiction collection attracted an enthusiastic following, but many of the nonfiction books are jumping off the shelves. The student seem especially fond of the self-help and inspirational publications.
  
  As for the teachers, well, the library is now booked solid for weeks in advance. A teacher recently confessed that the library had long been considered a place to bring your students when you were looking for an easy day. Now, he said, he was really using it as a resource to support his lessons and was keeping our new collection in mind as he planned for class instruction. Other teachers have begun to bring their students to use our collection for the first time. Others are checkout out books for their personal enjoyment, also. The word is getting around!

Ridgely Middle School, Chris Beard, Library Media Specialist

• I can't begin to express my gratitude to the Board of Education, County Executive, and County Council for the funding they provided to purchase new library books. If you added up all of the money that I have received over the past twenty-nine years to purchase new books it does not equal the amount that I received this year. I have purchased reference books that I have only dreamed about for my students and teachers. I've been able to update my biography collection with new books about people my students wish to read about. I've been able to purchase books for my students with varying reading levels and abilities. As my students have worked on research projects this year from sixth grade I-Search to eighth grade oral history, it has been exciting to provide students with new books on their topics. Many of the books I purchased this year were new titles bought to replace old and outdated materials; a lot of the books purchased were on topics for which I had nothing in the collection.
  It has been my pleasure to fulfill student and teacher requests for books on topics and authors of interest as well as to support major changes in the curriculum.
  
  From a practical standpoint, I am so proud that we have used the new technologies to order and process our new books. I have used Follett's Titlewave program for years to prepare orders but to access it via the Internet has been wonderful. Ordering by Internet and procurement card has saved hours of time. My MARC records were downloaded from the Internet and uploaded into the circulation and catalog system before the new books had even arrived. Since the books came completely processed (school identification label, bar code, and date due label), all we had to do was check the books against the packing list. Students turned right around and checked the new books out. They were so excited. I hope we will continue to use this technology for purchases next year.
  
  I attended meetings last summer of the American Library Association and the National Education Association. As I shared our wonderful news about this year's budget and the money that I would be receiving to buy new books there was always great excitement. Baltimore County set a new standard and librarians across the country wanted to know how to go about getting $10.5 million to improve their school library collections. I can't wait for this summer's meetings to share the results.

I asked a group of sixth graders and Ridgely teachers to share comments about the IMPACT of these new books.

• "The infusion of new and up-to-date books has finally begun the long overdue process of making our library a resource for the 21st century. For the last decade, the books on the shelves have often embarrassed me that the students were trying to use, books much older than them, books old enough to vote. With the new materials, perhaps we have 'turned the corner' into the future, but only if the collection continues to be updated."
  Social Studies Teacher
  
• "Major improvement, especially for our population of reluctant readers. Much beautiful high-interest non-fiction. Helpful for research and Powerpoint projects. We need to be current. Thanks for getting these. It has my life so much easier." Reading Teacher
  
• "We are enjoying the non-fiction selections immensely due to their very colorful photos, graphics, and easy-to-access information. They advertise themselves well and are a potent draw for both reluctant and avid readers." Special Education Teacher
  
• "The books are great! Students love the ones on sports such as inline skating, skateboarding and racing. The kids are checking out more books and that is wonderful to see!" Teacher
  
• "The new library books are wonderful. My students and I were so excited to have so many wonderful new books related to our I-Search topics. Thank you." Sixth grade Reading Teacher
  
• "Very attractive new books motivate reluctant readers. We now have an attractive selection of books for the students." Teacher
  
• "I am truly impressed with your collection of books about modern abstract artists. It has been a while since I've examined your collection of art books. I thought that my sixth graders would end up having to use mainly Internet resources. Thanks to all of your new art books, however, students were able to get most of their information from them. Also, thank you in advance for the books which you have ordered for next year!"
  Art Teacher
  
• "Ridgely recently received money for new books. It has helped our students in various ways. It helped in their research for the I-Search project. It expanded subjects found in the library for reading material. The new books have current topics with grab students' attention."

Sparrows Point Middle School, Kathi Drenning, Library Media Specialist

• Every time a student needs a book for a research topic there are several excellent, up-to-date possibilities. In the past, there were many incidents when general encyclopedias were the only place to go for information. Today, the eight graders needed information about Japanese American Internment Camps. We located information in five new reference sets including History in Dispute and Asian American Almanac. When a student visits the library to find books for personal interest reading, I can recommend several books by a favorite author instead of sending away a disappointed student who already read the only book we have by that author.

 Sparrows Point High School, Elaine Kimos, Library Media Specialist

• I have had rave reviews about the transformed library collection. Students and teachers alike are grateful for the variety of sources and their timeliness. I've been proud to hear we have more than other community libraries for some research projects. Students have made suggestions for new titles to be purchased, and the Honor Society comes in to move books whenever we need to shift the collection. I'm also grateful for one of our teachers who retired last year. She comes in on Wednesdays to withdraw the old books that have been weeded. What a once in a lifetime experience this has been. Thanks from all of us! 

Stemmers Run Middle, Sandy Cridler, Library Media Specialist

• "I find that the new books are a grat help. My students are able to find high interest books that are written on their reading level." M. Sutton 
• "It has been a pleasure working in the library with my students. There are so many wonderful prinmt sources tht the students go to them instead of wasting a lot of time searching on the Internet." (teacher)

Sudbrook Magnet Middle

• Since our school is only its 7th year of existence, we had a collection of the highest quality and currency. Due to the grant this year, we can also describe our collection as being of the highest quality AND quantity in order to meet the reading needs and purposes of our 1000 students.
• The grant has enabled our school to create a collection of books about Japan and Japanese culture. The library is a very important resource for our students because it is not always easy to find information on our subject. It would have taken us 20 years to put together a library like the one the grant made possible in one year. Thank you! N. Moorman, Japanese Team Leader
• The abundance of support material we have in our library has made a major impact on our curriculum. We've used the books to complete research reports on the Middle East as well as developing our understanding of myths from many cultures. The students were delighted to have the opportunity to spend quality time in the library. Helene Bondroiff, 6th Grade Team Leader

Towson High School, Sandy Benson, Library Media Specialist

• This has definitely been "a year to smile about" s students find beautiful new books instead of tattered, out-of-date ones when they research world cultures, law and public policy, social issues, or literary figures. They love new books and grin when I point out they're the first person to borrow the book,. When books are unpacked and placed on table to be checked in, student gravitate toward them and often find ones they want to borrow on the spot.
  
  This has definitely been "a year to smile about" as CBI students proudly "report to work" in the library when they pack withdrawn books, and unpack new ones, as volunteers (parents, students, and teachers) prepared to move every book in the library to make room for a reference section that has doubled in size, and as more patrons access more materials than ever before.
  
  This has definitely been "a year to smile about" as more teachers find that the library can, indeed, support their curricular needs with current and relevant materials. A social studies teacher preparing for a new course in international law smiles when she searches the catalog and locates 10 new titles under "Kosovo or Bosnia" in the general collections; that's not counting new references like the Encyclopedia of Conflicts Since World War II or the Encyclopedia of Eastern Europe. 
  
  This has definitely been "a year to smile about" as I blow the dust from the consideration file and begin fulfilling the needs and wishes of the members of this school community. Perusing the online or print recommended purchase catalogs, faculty members are like kids in a toy shop with Mom's credit card. "Oh, that set of books would be wonderful, but it's expensive." With a broad grin, I can respond, "Perhaps so, but we can afford to have that resource at our school."
  
  This has definitely been "a year to smile about" as I observe so many students and even some staff either discovering or renewing an appreciation for books. The rush to the computers and the Interent has certainly slowed because a book cart filled with attractive, relevant books is just as alluring. For2 students in a class researching daily life during the Elizabethan Age, however, the Interent was their resource of choice. Despite carefully constructed search queries, they were still wandering in cyberspace after 15 minutes. When I handed then one of the new books that contained 14 pages on their very specialized topic, they looked in amazament. Grateful students; grinning library media specialist. :-)

Western School of Technology and Environmental Science

• The infusion of funds from the Baltimore County Council has had a tremendous impact on the library program at Western School of Technology & Environmental Science! Last year we moved into our new location with all of the accessories, but our library collection while very current, was lacking in the number of books to adequately service our school population. If we had to depend solely on local school funds and magnet money to develop our collection, it would have taken us another 10 years to get to where we are today!
  
  Two and one half years ago, Western was challenged to develop a library with adequate print and electronic resources to support our school community and curriculum by the Accreditation for Growth committee. While our architectural plans were already in the works with the help of the county for space conversion, the furnishings, etc., filling the shelves with books was going to be a long process. The funds that we've received this year have made the vision a reality! Our AFG site review was held on March 14, 2001. Meetings were held in the library so that we could showcase the progress that we've made.
  
  To date, we've received approximately two thirds of our books! It has been a time consuming, but rewarding task! It has been like Christmas morning every time a new shipment of boxes arrives! Many times the books come out of the box and are immediately integrated into a class research project. There is not a subject area in our building, including our career and tech programs, which hasn't been impacted by the new books ordered and received. I had asked faculty for input and put out "Wish Lists" for students to fill in an effort to develop a balanced collection that would reflect the needs and interests of our school community. Reference as well as circulating books have been used time and time again since our first order arrived in December. Outside reading is required at Western, the additions to our fiction collection have been a big boost to this program as well. Also, I have been subscribing to SIRS online for the past two years, but only the Researcher module. This year, since I had extra money for books I was able to expand my SIRS subscription to include Government Reporter and Renaissance.
  
  Our administration, faculty, and students are very greatful for the LOLA funds granted to our library by the special
  County Council appropriation. We appreciate the time and hard work that went into the organization and planning for this project that benefits all of the students in Baltimore County!

Woodlawn High School

• On behalf of the patrons of Woodlawn Senior High School Library, I would like to thank the County Council and the Board of Education for the LOLA Grant that was given to our school in order to purchase new books for the library.
  
  Because of these new books, our circulation has increased seventy-five percent. This is because our students and staff are excited to see beautiful, new, and interesting books. I can't tell you how wonderful it feels when our teachers thank me for acquiring the much-needed books that will support their lessons.
  
  Furthermore, students are now being encouraged by their teachers and peers to come to our library to choose books for independent reading. Before this grant, they weren't encouraged as much because there wasn't enough to choose from. It felt good when a teacher asked me, "Would it be ok if I brought my class in to select books, now that we have all of these books?"
  
  Before we received the grant, we had to limit each student to only one book at a time because there just wasn't enough to go around. Our library was also reluctant to discard any books because the shelves would be bare, and at least something was better than nothing. Now, we don't have to hold on to old, worn out books or feel embarrassed about the lack of quantity and quality of materials available.
  
  Again, thank you for your continued support in helping our school. "Libraries Do Change Lives."

Woodlawn Middle School

• What a gift! The money allocated by the County Council has made a profound impact on the library at Woodlawn Middle. Previously our collection was dated. Many books were in bad condition. We had precious few books by authors that appeal to the young reader today, and our reference collection was dated. Since the new books started arriving - what a wonderful changes were made! Circulation has tripled. Students are constantly in the library. Teachers are scheduling classes specifically to use the new resources. I am so very grateful to be a librarian in Baltimore County at this time. Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of have a new book display completely checked out within two hours of putting it up!
  
  An assistant principal noted in December, "More students have been in the library in the 3 weeks since this first shipment arrived than in the last 3 years." Students stop me in the halls to thank me and tell me how much they love reading the new books. Yesterday a 7th grader danced into my office and said, "Ms. Scott, my dreams have come true! You have ALL the Dear America books!"
  
  On behalf of the faculty, thank you for y our generosity to our children.