Blair Media Center displays new books

The Blair Media Center (IMC) opened its doors to teachers after school today, Sept 7, to give them a look at the more than 700 new books purchased this summer by the school, according to Media Specialist Lisa Hack. The event, titled "Get graphic," boasted a superhero theme and allowed the staff to reserve copies of the new books prior to being put out on the shelf for general circulation.

Wonder Woman

Photo: Assistant Principal Linda Wanner made an appearance at the "Get Graphic" book party as Wonder Woman. The book party allowed teachers to browse more than 700 new books added to the Media Center this year.

Assistant Principal Linda Wanner made an appearance at the "Get Graphic" book party as Wonder Woman. The book party allowed teachers to browse more than 700 new books added to the Media Center this year. Photo courtesy of Christopher Consolino.

According to Hack, the Blair IMC spent approximately $35,000, provided by the county, to purchase the new books. The amount of funding school libraries receive from the country for new titles is based on a head-count system, said Media Specialist Andre Lamphier. Due to Blair's size, the school generally receives a hefty amount of funding for new books.

The party celebrated the end of processing the books for circulation and the titles' availability staff and students. Over the next few days, the new material will be spread out upon the tops of IMC shelves. "We're going to keep the new books displayed so kids can know which ones are new," said Lamphier.

Subjects of the new books range from pop culture to the classics and encompass all reading levels, said Lamphier. "I like the juxtaposition of books," noted social studies teacher George Vlasits. "Britney Spears next to Will Shakespeare."

Many of the books added to the IMC's literary collection were suggested by staff and students. Several of the titles were ordered with school projects in mind, such as the new "Canterbury Tales" videos, according to Lamphier. After unveiling the new titles, teachers can sign up to receive a complete inventory of the new books via e-mail. "We get staff and student recommendations during the year," said Media Assistant Ilene Catzva. "We keep them in mind when we order the books."

The tradition of inviting teachers to browse over new books at the beginning of the school year has been a custom since Hack first came to Blair five years ago. This year and last year, however, have been the only such events to have official themes, noted Hack. The IMC staff chose the theme "Get Graphic" because many of the new books are graphic novels. Students can browse through all the new titles in the IMC beginning tomorrow, Sept. 8.