Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 28
OFF THE SHELF LIBRARY UPDATE
Kelli Yonker, Director of Libraries
At Shelton, our library programs play
a vital role in supporting student
success both academically and
personally. Through thoughtfully
curated collections of print and
digital resources — including books,
magazines, academic journals,
e-books, Playaways, Wonderbooks
and online databases — we meet a
wide range of interests and learning
needs. Our libraries go beyond the
shelves, offering enriching experiences like makerspaces,
reading challenges, book clubs, “lunch bunch” gatherings,
volunteer opportunities and author visits. Shelton librarians
build meaningful connections with students through
storytimes, engaging lessons and hands-on activities, helping
each child develop confidence, build friendships and discover
the joy of reading and learning.
Author Visits
Shelton students were fortunate
to enjoy several inspiring author
visits this year. Author-illustrator
Don Tate visited twice, first
sharing his story and creative
talents with third through eighth
graders. So moved by his visit,
many students created an e-book
of thank-you notes that was
sent to him. Tate also engaged
our youngest readers in Early
Childhood through second grade
with a fun interactive session
about reading, books and illustrating. Several students had
the chance to create their own drawings — seven lucky kids
even took home original artwork from Tate.
In March, we welcomed five-time author Lindsey Stoddard,
who presented to three different groups of third through
eighth graders, making it a magical day filled with inspiration.
The excitement continued in May, when national bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft visited
Shelton. Speaking to students from first through 11th grade,
they introduced their latest collaboration, “J vs. K,” an
illustrated chapter book. They shared the powerful impact
of writing, reading, language, poetry, art and creativity in
transforming lives. Students
were thrilled to hear their stories
of perseverance and success
as Newbery Medal-winning
authors. After the presentation,
Alexander and Craft signed
copies of their book for eager
first through ninth graders and
teachers.
These unforgettable visits
brought storytelling and
creativity to life, inspiring our
students in countless ways.
Shelton Book Fair
The librarians held Shelton’s annual book fair Oct. 15-23, 2024.
It was a huge success with more than $28,000 in books sold,
which means more than 4,600 books are in our students’ hands.
Everyone enjoyed the coordinated events with dads and special
friends.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Shelton
Book Fair a success. Through your generosity, you helped
purchase new library books and expand many classroom libraries
for our teachers.
A huge thank-you to
our Shelton Parents’
Association Book
Fair organizer Nancy
Dodson and all the
SPA volunteers who
helped the event run
smoothly. The Shelton
librarians appreciate
your encouragement of
the love of reading.
26
NOVEMBER 2025
THE HORIZON
SHELTON SCHOOL
