From the moment elementary kids step into the library, they must feel the wonder and enchantment of a special place in their lives - not to mention the open arms of a committed library crew.  More than any other time, this is the moment.  At AIS-R, we grab this moment and turn on the magic from day one.  With well stocked, easily accessible books, magazines and computers, set in an enticing, bookish and playful atmosphere, we go right to work on the reading minds and habits of our kids.  With the unbelievable competition we now have for their reading time; computers, computer games, television, etc., we must offer them something beyond the stars -- something to make sure what we offer is of equal or greater enjoyment.  We must help them believe this wonder can be found between the pages of a book.

Starting as young as we can get them, the AIS-R crew inspires the love of stories, recognition and connection to favorite authors, care and respect of books, and respect for procedures that insure fairness to all users.  By establishing times for whole class instruction, small group use, as well as time for independent users, students and staff are offered as much time as they need in the library.  Whenever necessary, the librarian has flex time to collaborate with teachers on a variety of library related projects.  As kids move through the elementary, it is our goal to turn them into self-reliant, independent users.  We are always there to offer guidance and reading advisory, but the more they are able to navigate the library at this level, the easier their start will be once they get to the secondary library.

To enhance their knowledge and enjoyment, the library offers a continual stream of events and promotions to engage students, teachers and the whole community.  Whether it is a book fair, author visit, Love of Reading week, or Battle of the Books, programs are offered weekly, monthly, or even longer.  To enrich as many of our lessons and activities as possible, creative dramatics such as Reader's Theater, story telling and video storytelling , and puppetry are used.

It is joy to watch the library light come on for elementary kids.  With this light we will continue to brighten their path to a lifetime of recreational reading, encourage and instruct them in the appropriate use of technology tools, guide them in the use of higher level thinking skills, and celebrate as they gain mastery over their library world. It is our greater hope that the entire community look upon our library as the living room of the school - a place not only for their kids to study and learn, but a place where parents can look in at any moment to see what we are doing, check out a book, have a cup of coffee, check email, or consult with staff.