The 2004-2005 school year was a busy one for the Zena Library Media Center, and its new librarian, Mrs. Pennachio! Collaboration with the West Hurley Public Library and its librarian, Kara Lustiber, resulted in a library card drive in the fall, and a week in June devoted to promoting the NYS Summer Reading program. A Birthday Book Club was created with a good percentage of students participating in its first year. And finally, preparations began to ready the library for automation.

The Zena Library is a place where all in the community feel welcome. Students know as soon as they walk through the door that they are important, as evidenced by such signs as a student-painted mural, a book suggestion box, and bookmarks designed by the students. Weekly library classes continue to encourage children to love and utilize libraries. The library curriculum ranges from author/illustrator studies to folk & fairy tales from around the world to plagiarism and other topics. Highlights from the curriculum include: letters sent to Tomie DePaola on his 75th birthday, original fractured fairy tales, almanac jeopardy, Dewey Decimal treasure hunts, and more!

Teachers also know that they are welcome in the library and that I am here to support them. In the past, such support has been seen in examples such as a library primary documents unit in conjunction with a classroom Revolutionary War unit, or butterfly books being brought to the classroom to supplement a life cycles unit. Additional efforts are made to develop the library collection around curriculum needs, and use interlibrary loan for supplemental purposes as various units demand. The librarian looks forward to working further with students, faculty, and the community to continually improve the library, a hub of learning at Zena.

Library Media Specialist:
Sarah Pennachio

Contact Number:
679-8160

E-mail address: spennachio@kingstoncityschools.org

Days/hours of availability to students:
Three days/week (varies):
8:25 AM – 3:25 PM

Total Collection Statistics:
# of books 8,000
# of videos 264
# of periodicals 5
# of computers 4

The following AV equipment is available:
• LCD Projector
• VCR
• DVD

Internet accessibility available on four terminals.

Database subscription services are:
• NOVEL

Links for favorite websites are:
• Kids.nypl.org – A terrific site with recommended books and websites for every interest!

• Kidsclick.org – A web directory of sites chosen by librarians for students’ research needs.

• Scholastic.com/kids – Full of activities, contests, and book recommendations. Features Clifford, Harry Potter, Abby Hayes, and more!