ISLMonth Logo

Projects for International School Library Month

Bookmark Project

The ISLM Bookmark Project involves matched schools making homemade bookmarks (any style, shape, etc - be creative) that reflects the International School Library Month theme.

The theme for 2011 is School Libraries Empower Learners for Life

The bookmarks must be mailed to your matched school in October.

The 2011 Bookmark Exchange Project is well under way and many of the participating schools and groups have already made and exchanged bookmarks. This year groups  from schools in 23 countries registered for the Project:  Croatia, Hungary,  the USA, Hong Kong China, Canada, India, Australia, the West Indies, Romania, Italy, China, Russia, Scotland, the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, the Republic of Georgia, Indonesia, Poland, Spain and Nigeria.  Unfortunately, there was difficulty contacting  5 of the schools at the email addresses they had submitted, and a further 2 schools withdrew from the Project.  In all, 16,691 students, ranging in ages from 4 yrs. to 17 yrs. participated in the Exchange. Hopefully all the groups will follow through on their registration  and complete the exchange in keeping with the Project so that no students or groups are disappointed. The Bookmark Exchange Project is a simple, fun way of sharing the pleasure and delights of books and libraries  and of making new friends through school libraries worldwide. If you and your students did not get involved this year perhaps you will next year.  Finally, three cheers for all of this year’s bookmark makers, and thanks to all the group leaders for your cooperation,  patience, and enthusiasm throughout the matching period.

If you would like to become involved in this project, you will need to send the following information to the ISLM Bookmark Coordinator, Breege O'Brien.

  • your school's name
  • your school's location (city, state/province/country)
  • the grade/age level of the students to be involved
  • the number of students involved (this is very important to ensure you are matched to a school of similar size)
  • the contact information (name and email address - include a contact email where you can be reached during any school holidays)

Matching will be taking place on a regular basis between August and the end of September.

Please note the following:

  • You should aim to send the bookmarks to your matched school in October
  • In order to avoid disappointment for students and teachers in your matched school, please follow through on your bookmark commitment.

Please register for the project as soon as possible so we can set up your match by sending the details about to the Bookmark Project Coordinator. If you have already sent us your details and have not had them acknowledged by the end of August please resend them.

For more information or to add your name to the list of participating schools, contact:
Breege O'Brien, Bookmark Project Coordinator.

Skype Project

For the first time in 2011 the ISLM Committee offer schools the opportunity to make contact with each other using Skype. If you would like your students to take part in this exciting new project please complete this survey by Wednesday 28th September, 2011.

In early October you will receive an email with a list of schools who wish to participate. It will then be up to you to make contact with the schools of your choice to make arrangements for your ISLM Skype sessions throughout the month of October.

To find out more about how to use Skype and for a free download go to the Skype website.

Create an doc ISLM 2011 Skype Project session log (click on the link to download the form) and send to Marie O'Brien. A list of participating schools will be posted to celebrate the culmination of the project.

Facebook Friends in School Libraries Around the World Project

Join the ISLM Group on the IASL Ning and use the Facebook Share link to make contact with other schools with a Facebook presence.

If you are not already signed up as a member of the IASL Ning, go to http://iaslonline.ning.com/ and select the 'Sign Up' link to join, then go to Groups to join the International School Library Month group.

See you there!

What people are doing for ISLM 2011

Send in your submissions for "What people are doing for ISLM 2011" by email to the IASL Web Manager, Karen Bonanno.

Subject line: ISLM activities

Include in your email message the following information:

  • Country
  • Name
  • Title of your position
  • School or organisation
  • Brief outline of the ISLM activity
  • Web link, if appropriate

If sending images to accompany your report on ISLM activities please send them as .jpg or .gif. Keep them as small as possible, example 240 x 180 dimensions, as large files will slow down the display of the web page

Please note: Submissions received after 31 October 2011 may not be included on the ISLM "What people are doing" web pages.

Last updated 23 September 2011 (KSB)