Library Receives New Books From Green Acres School

Lexi Harris representing both VIMSIA and Green Acres School

Like many of our students, fourth grader Lexi Harris temporarily moved stateside after Irma and Maria hit the Virgin Islands.  She joined one of her cousins at Green Acres School in North Bethesda, MD.  Every year Green Acres School organizes a book drive for a cause, and after hearing from Lexi about damages to our school and island they chose our library as this year’s recipient!  Lexi’s teacher Allison Stearn led the efforts. They packed up four large boxes of specially chosen books, and the Harris’ company Impact Construction took care of the shipping.  Each book contains a unique student-made bookmark, many with the phrase “with love from Green Acres School” on one side, artwork on the other.  We are so grateful to the students, staff, and families of Green Acres School!

Library Extension Complete!

One of the most exciting developments with our libraries this year was the opening of a new extension to the Montessori Library! Our collection of books has nearly doubled since Ms. Kathy Schlesinger joined us as librarian in 2010.  The shelves had become so crowded that not all of the fiction books could be shelved at the same time.  Ever creative in looking for space, Ms. Schlesinger had her eye on an adjacent storeroom, and with the help of Ms. Tess Williams, moved everything worth keeping and cleaned out the rest.  The room was painted, and over the summer shelves were installed and books were shelved.  We now have more room for our burgeoning fiction collection, as well as a new inviting space for beginning chapter books.  The new room also provides cozy reading spaces and brings more light into the whole library.  It is so exciting to see students’ faces when they see the new space!