Big Library Read Starts Today!

The new Big Library Read initiative is a joint effort between Sourcebooks,
OverDrive and public libraries worldwide.  It’s a unique program (May
15-June 1) designed to unite the world in reading the same eBook title
at the same time and to demonstrate the influence library
patrons (you) can have. We already know the power of libraries – this is a
unique way to let the rest of the world know!

Excitement is building….since last week, over 2,000 libraries have
opted-in to participate in this event from 8 different countries – on 4
continents! Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, North Las Vegas
Library and Boulder City Library are three of those libraries!

The eBook for this pilot is Four Corners of the Sky (click to get your copy of the eBook) by Michael Malone.  Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Malone, every member of the community (with a valid library card) can read the eBook at the same time at no cost to the library!

If you don’t want to read the eBook version you can still participate with the print version! There are limited copies of The Four Corners of the Sky (click to reserve the print copy) available which you are welcome to begin reading now.

Related articles

• Big Library Read (lvccldnews.wordpress.com)

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Celebrate Earth Day with Brain Jam

Today is Earth Day! Celebrate with the special edition of Brain Jam in Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Here you will find a wide range of articles and activities that provide fresh insights into environmental issues. Not only is this edition of Brain Jam an exciting way to observe Earth Day, but it is also a timely Common Core resource with 27 informational articles, 10 web links, and 13 different Teaching Resources including activities, discussion questions, essay topics, and a quiz.

The Environment and Climate Change Lesson Plans for Earth Day (April 22)

Students will participate in a debate on saving endangered species, explore the pros and cons of the Keystone Pipeline and analyze news articles dealing with environmental issues.

View the video Thousands Gather for DC Climate Rally from NBC News

Discussion Guide

Lesson Plan 1- Endangered Species

Objective:  Students will participate in a debate on the cost of efforts to save endangered species

Lesson Plan 2- The Keystone Pipeline

Objective:  Students will explore the pros and cons of the controversial Keystone Pipeline

Lesson Plan 3- Environmental News

Objective:  Students will work in groups to create a collection of news articles dealing with environmental issues

 21^st Century Core Content
Government and Civics
Geography

21^st Century Themes
Global Awareness

21^st Century Skills
Think Creatively
Work Creatively With Others
Reason Effectively
Make Judgments and Decisions
Solve Problems
Communicate Clearly
Collaborate with Others
Access and Evaluate Information
Analyze Media
Be Flexible
Work Independently
Be Self-directed Learners
Interact Effectively with Others
Work Effectively in Diverse Teams
Produce Results
Guide and Lead Others
Be Responsible to Others

Additional Resources:
Climate Change by the US EPA
Endangered Species Program; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Natural Resources Defense Council
Earth Times.org
Peace Corps.gov

Additional Library Resources :
Climate Change – Science in Context
Endangered Species and Wildlife Conservation – Science in Context
Environmental Issues Protests – Opposing Viewpoints
Sea Level Rise – Science in Context
Weather and Climate – Always Available eBook
Grzimek’s Student Animal Life Resource – Always Available eBook
Climate Change – Always Available ebook
Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy – Always Available eBook
Environmental Issues: Essential Primary Sources – Always Available eBook