Students visit the library/media space during their ELA or social studies class periods.  During ELA visits, students will receive a refresher on the library setup and access.  Access to the library includes the Destiny Discover catalog system (logging in, keyword searches, call numbers, placing book holds, and managing their personal account), FactCite and Gale in Context: Middle School (academic research databases), AskRI databases, and the SORA database in which students have access to eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines.  Students also receive a refresher on how to manage their SORA account (checkouts, badges, returning items, etc.).  Website evaluation, WebPath Express (links to vetted Websites via Destiny Discover), and research skills are taught during the Unit 3 project.  Book circulation is always part of the ELA visits.  The PMS Library LibGuide is linked here.  

Throughout the year, various reading activities are offered, including book talks, genre exploration, and author highlights.  Students also have exposure to book promotions/programs.  The three that are presented annually are the Rhode Island Middle School Book Award (grades 6-8), the Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books and Authors, and the ALA Youth Media Award winners.  The RI Public Libraries Summer Reading Program is also promoted at the end of the year.

Other activities of interest are interactive book displays, March Madness with Books, and a variety of jigsaw puzzles throughout the year.

When students come to the library/media space during social studies class, they will learn about Digital Citizenship using Common Sense Education.  The topics studied include:  Privacy and Data Collection (by companies); Cyberbullying; Social Media & Relationships; The Power of Digital Footprints.