We are thrilled to announce that Deb Becker, the OSMS Librarian, has been awarded a grant from the Central NY Library Resources Council (CLRC) to enhance our fiction collection over the summer. This initiative is part of a larger effort to enrich our library's offerings and create a welcoming space for our middle school students.

The CLRC grant program is designed to support innovative projects that align with the mission of libraries in our community. Ms. Becker's project stands out as it aims to not only organize our fiction collection but also to inspire a love for reading among our students by making book selection more intuitive and enjoyable.

Traditionally, our library has arranged fiction books by the author's last name, which can make it challenging for students to locate specific genres. In response to this, Ms. Becker has proposed a genrefication project that will categorize books by genre, similar to what many bookstores do. This change is anticipated to transform the fiction section into a more user-friendly and engaging space, allowing students to easily find titles that resonate with their interests, whether they are in search of mysteries, romances, or thrilling horror stories.

Throughout the grant application process, Ms. Becker demonstrated her commitment to our students by presenting her vision to the CLRC staff and securing the necessary administrative approvals. With this grant funding, she plans to not only reorganize the books but also implement new signage that will help communicate the new layout to our readers, creating an inviting atmosphere for all.

As we look forward to the fall, we are excited about the potential of the revamped fiction section to inspire our students and facilitate their reading journeys. The enhanced organization will encourage more exploration and discovery within our library, ultimately fostering a deeper connection to literature.

We can’t wait to keep our community updated on the progress of this project. Stay tuned for reports and photos as we transform the OSMS library into a vibrant space where students can easily immerse themselves in the joy of reading!