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Meet Peter Reynolds in Person November 18, 2021

11/8/2021

FREE EVENT Author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds will be in person at the El Segundo Library on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. Books are available for purchase ahead of time online or instore at {pages} and pick up at the event, or purchase books at the event. All books will be signed and personalized, if you request. Click here for details.

Meet the MBUSD Library Team

10/28/2021

SHARING THE LOVE OF READING Meet our MBUSD library resource specialists. The library program is made possible by the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation and generous parent and community donors. Contributions made THIS year determine programs and positions that can be supported NEXT year. Thank you for considering a contribution that is meaningful to your family. mbef.org

LA County Public Library Bookmark Contest Fall 2021

9/16/2021

Calling all creative kids and teens! Children from Kindergarten to the 12th grade are invited to celebrate books, reading, and art by participating in the 42nd Annual Bookmark Contest presented by the County of Los Angeles Public Library.

Entries due October 30. Entry forms are available at the Manhattan Beach branch library, the Grand View school library, and online. Click here for more info and to download the entry form.

Virtual Author Visit with R.J. Palacio September 30, 2021

9/12/2021

Author R.J. Palacio

Actor Josh Radnor

VIRTUAL LIVE AUTHOR EVENT with R.J. Palacio in conversation with Actor Josh Radnor on Thursday, September 30 @ 5:00 pm (PDT)
{pages} is pleased to present R.J. Palacio, New York Times best-selling author of Wonder (and seven other children's books) in a virtual, live event on Thursday, September 30th at 5 pm (PDT). R.J. will talk about her latest book, Pony, a middle-grade novel.

This is a ticketed event: your ticket purchase will include a signed copy of Pony. Please note: we have been given a very limited number of tickets for this event. Once we sell all of the tickets you can still purchase a book (signed copies are available until we sell out of those provided to us). If you purchase a ticket for the event, you will receive the virtual link one hour prior to the event start time.
Click here for more info and to purchase a ticket.

Virtual Visit with Olympic Medalists May 5

4/26/2021

Virtual Visit with Olympic medalists, Alex & Maia Shibutani | May 5 @ 4:30 p.m. {pages} is very pleased to host the book launch for Kudo Kids, The Mystery in Manhattan by Alex & Maia Shibutani. This is a FREE event but signed copies of the book are available through {pages}.
Register in advance for this virtual event

Jeff Kinney Virtual Visit April 15, 2021

4/12/2021

Author Jeff Kinney Pop Up Visit Wednesday, April 15 at 4:00 p.m. Join Jeff Kinney and Your Awesome Friendly Indie Bookstore for a Spooktacular Virtual Event! Sign up here.
This is a free event, with no obligation to buy a book, but if a new book by Jeff Kinney is desired, consider ordering from our local indie {pages} a bookstore.

Gordon Korman Virtual Visit at {pages} a bookstore February 23, 2021

2/1/2021

Gordon Korman shares his new middle grade novel Unplugged on February 23 at 4:30pm. As the son of the world's most famous tech billionaire, Jett has always gotten what he wanted. Now he can't believe his dad's private plane is dropping him off at a place called the Oasis, where Jett is forced to hand over his phone and participate in wholesome activities with kids he has no interest in hanging out with. Soon, Jett can't help but notice the adults at the Oasis are acting really strange, and he's determined to get to the bottom of things.
Join Gordon Korman to hear more about his latest book! Purchase a signed copy of the book here and a link to the event will be emailed to you.

School Library Journal Best Books of 2020

11/24/2020

School Library Journal has announced the Best Books of the year. From picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and beyond, there are so many great books --and books are exactly what we need in these challenging times. Details here.

Stuart Gibbs Virtual Visit at {pages} a bookstore October 15

10/5/2020

{pages} a bookstore will host a special Zoom event on Thursday, October 15, at 4:00 p.m. with Stuart Gibbs, author of the Spy School series, as he discusses his latest book, Spy School Revolution.In order to receive a link to the zoom event, please purchase a copy of the Spy School Revolution from the website here. You will receive the zoom link two days prior to the event, as well as a signed copy of the book. Click here for more info.

September Virtual Author Visits at {pages} a bookstore

8/26/2020

September 16 at 5:00 p.m. Join author Max Brallier and illustrator Doug Holgate in a virtual event for their sixth book in the The Last Kids on Earth Series: The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road. Purchase the book here and {pages} will share the event link 24-36 hours prior to the event.

September 22 at 4:00 p.m. Join illustrator Gale Galligan to hear her share her experiences in creating the illustrations for the Baby-Sitters Club books. Gale will provide a drawing demonstration and take questions from the audience. Purchase the book here and {pages} will share the event link 24-36 hours prior to the event.

MBUSD to Begin Fall 2020-21 with Distance Learning

7/31/2020

Superintendent's Newsletter July 31, 2020 The MBUSD board of trustees voted to start the 2020-21 school year in distance learning mode and to return to in-person learning in phases. Click here to learn how this plan will be implemented. While no students are on campus library operations will be reduced to 50% of last year's services. Once a hybrid model or full-time on campus learning can commence library services will return to 100% of last year's operations thanks to a grant from MBEF.

Some Personnel Reductions to Go Forward but MBEF Fully Restores Library Resource Specialist Positions for 2020-21 When Conditions Allow In-Person Learning

6/17/2020

Originally posted April 15, 2020
Updated June 17, 2020
Updated June 29, 2020
Updated July 8, 2020
Updated July 30, 2020

July 30, 2020
The MBUSD board of trustees voted to start the 2020-21 school year in distance learning mode and to return to in-person learning in phases. While no students are on campus library operations will be reduced to 50% of last year's services. Once a hybrid model or full-time on campus learning can commence library services will return to 100% of last year's operations thanks to a grant from MBEF.

July 8, 2020
Some good news! Our Library Resource Specialist positions (5 elementary, 1 middle school) were going to be reduced by 50% in the fall due to pre-Covid budget constraints. MBEF TO THE RESCUE! Part of the $1.1 million raised at the Manhattan Wine Auction will be used to fully restore the library positions in the fall -- IF school will be held on site at least in a hybrid manner (some direct instruction, some distance learning). All told, this means MBEF will provide about $7.5 million to enhance the educational experience of our students. Thank you! Thank You!! Thank You!!!

June 29, 2020
Because the approved CA state budget for 2020-21 will be the more flexible version, the MBUSD Board of Trustees was able to make no further cuts to elementary library services for the 2020-21 school year than were approved on June 17. On July 7 the Board of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation will meet to decide how the $1.1 million raised at the Virtual Wine Auction can be distributed to lessen the effects of existing program cuts. The recommendations will be presented to the MBUSD Board on July 8.

June 17, 2020
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to to reduce elementary library services by 50% for the 2020-21 school year. They discussed the need to make further reductions or to close the libraries due to the impact of the pandemic on state revenues. Further cuts will be announced at a special board meeting on June 29 at 5:00 p.m. The state budget is still being negotiated between the governor and the legislature.

If the governor's budget goes forward then the board will need to make $1.3 million in further reductions. The board will not likely have the ability to make August reductions to certificated personnel, leaving all the cuts to fall on classified employees --which would total $700,000 in savings, falling short of the $1.3 million in reductions needed to balance the budget.
If the legislature's more flexible budget goes forward no further cuts will need to be made for 2020-21. Much depends on federal money that may arrive in the fall, but has not yet been authorized.

Teacher Librarian Eliminated at Mira Costa High School. Work Hours Cut by 50% at Elementary and Middle School Libraries The MBUSD Board will proceed with reductions for the 2020-21 school year -- roughly 40 positions, including counselors, elementary P.E. teachers, and subject specialists for the 2020-2021 school year. The cuts, according to the district, will save $3.6 million to fix a budget deficit. Read more.
Further Reductions in Store The MBUSD budget for the next two years after that was never rosy and now with state revenues likely to suffer due to the pandemic shut-down, the district must brace for more reductions to come. It is projected that there will need to be 39 more positions eliminated in 2021-22 and another 25 more eliminated in 2022-23.

Seth Fishman Virtual Author Event

5/9/2020

Seth Fishman and the Aquarium Roundhouse are collaborating to bring a virtual event to area schools centered around his newest book, The Ocean in Your Bathtub. Click here for details and to pre-order the book from {pages} bookstore.

MBUSD Schools Dismissed - Distance Learning in Place

3/15/2020

MBUSD Protocol Helps to Flatten the Curve
Beginning March 16 all MBUSD students begin distance learning and school buildings are closed to the public. With Spring Break already scheduled for the week of April 6, the earliest date our schools are expected to re-open is Tuesday, April 14. UPDATE May 4 is the target date for staff to return. May 5 is the target date for students to return.
Explaining COVID-19 to Kids
News of the coronavirus is everywhere, and many adults are wondering how to discuss this topic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Fortunately, there are some great resources to help at South Bay Families Connected.
The Importance of Following Social Distancing Protocols
Are your children asking why they may not get together with friends to play or do schoolwork over the next few weeks? This article from Medium helps to explain the importance of social distancing: Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day.
Online Access to the Library is Available 24/7
Search various databases, the catalog, and more by visiting grandviewlibrary.info. Under the Resources tab find Encyclopedia Britannica and TeachingBooks.net. The username and password for both is mbusd and beach. Just for fun, try StorylineOnline, found under the Resources for Students dropdown. Hear actor Chris O'Dowd read Arnie the Doughnut --hilarious!

Due to Social Distancing Protocols in Response to COVID-19 Emergency, Support Our Schools Week Postponed

3/6/2020

POSTPONED The City of Manhattan Beach has proclaimed March 21-28 as Support Our Schools Week. Join local businesses and residents for a week-long awareness and fundraising campaign to help offset MBUSD budget cuts and reductions. Dine, shop, and visit your favorite stores throughout Manhattan Beach while also supporting MBEF. Click here for a list of participating businesses or donate directly to the Support Our Schools campaign.

$3.6 Million in Budget Cuts Mean Pink Slips for Manhattan Beach Unified Employees

3/5/2020

Board members voted 4-1, with Bill Fournell dissenting, to issue pink slips for roughly 40 positions, including counselors, elementary P.E. teachers and subject specialists for the 2020-2021 school year. The potential cuts, according to the district, will save $3.6 million to fix a budget deficit. Read more

MBUSD Budget News & Information

1/19/2020

MBUSD FACING POTENTIAL STAFFING CUTS IN 2020-21
In his January 2020 newsletter to parents Superintendent Mike Matthews described significant budget challenges facing the District. The MBUSD Budget News & Information page will provide information and links to presentations, newsletters, and resources related to the budget.

School Library Journal's Best Books of 2019

12/31/2019

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL'S BEST BOOKS OF 2019
Across SLJ’s Best Books 2019 list, readers will find tender and joyful celebrations of families and intergenerational friendships, delightfully goofy series installments, deft and poignant coming-of-age narratives, wildly original speculative fiction, and revelatory informational works that shatter false mythologies. Explore an outstanding collection of 92 titles spanning picture books, transitional chapter books, middle grade, young adult, nonfiction, and graphic novels.

Battle of the Books 2019-20

10/23/2019

Parent Info Meeting Thursday, November 21, 8:30 a.m. in the Cafeteria.
What Is the Battle of the Books? Children read at least three titles from a grade level reading list then work together with a team to answer questions based on the books they have read. See the flyer.
Who Participates? Grand View students in 2nd through 5th grade. There will be a 2nd grade competition, a 3rd grade competition, and students in 4th-5th grade will compete against each other.
When Is the Event? The 2nd Annual Grand View Battle of the Books will take place Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 12:45 to 3:30 p.m. at various campus locations.
Forming a Team Form a team of four to six children in your child's grade level, and decide who will read which books from the list, so that all titles are covered. Students typically read about five books from their grade level list. It is fine if a certain book is read by more than one of your team members. If you are unable to put together a team, email gvbattleobooks@yahoo.com and your child will be placed on a team with children in your child's grade level.
Getting the Books Thanks to the generosity of the PTA, our school library has multiple copies of the books on hand, and they are generally available at the public library. Click here for the book lists.
Parent Volunteers Each team is required to have one parent captain to help lead the team and at least one parent volunteer to help on the day of the event. The captain will stay with the team as they rotate through the competition locations, and the team volunteer(s) will help with the event itself. When communicating with your team, highlight the names of the captain and the volunteer(s).
Questions? Email gvbattleobooks@yahoo.com or Jen Cram or Jessica Taubman.

LA County Public Library Bookmark Contest

9/29/2019

ENTRIES DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Children from Kindergarten through the 12th Grade are invited to participate in the Los Angeles County Public Library annual Bookmark Contest for a chance to see their bookmark design featured at their local library. Entry forms are available at the Manhattan Beach branch library and in the Grand View library. Click here for more info and to download the entry form.

Dav Pilkey Returns to South Bay with Special Guests

9/2/2019

Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m. El Segundo Performing Arts Center

SOLD OUT

SPORTS BALL DRIVE 10/1-10/25
Donate a NEW playground sports ball to be entered in a raffle for a chance to win two tickets to this SOLD OUT event. See flyer for details.

{pages} a bookstore and Scholastic are super excited to announce an event featuring Dav Pilkey, the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the popular Dog Man and Captain Underpants series! Dav Pilkey will be at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 27th as part of his international Do Good Tour. "Do Good" is a campaign to encourage readers of all ages to give back and make a positive impact in their communities. READ MORE | GET TICKETS

Summer Reading Fun

7/16/2019

Have extra-fun with summer reading! Try some of these suggestions from Read Brightly.

Where's Waldo in Manhattan Beach July 2019

6/25/2019

A favorite local summer tradition is the Where's Waldo in Downtown Manhattan Beach Hunt, a great celebration of small businesses in downtown Manhattan. The hunt begins on July 1st and culminates with a Waldo party at {pages} Bookstore on July 28th. Pick up your passport at {pages} or one of the participating local businesses to play.

Library of the Year Celebration June 29, 2019

6/20/2019

The LA County Library has won the Gale/Library Journal 2019 Library of the Year Award and to celebrate the Manhattan Beach Branch is hosting a fun night of activities for the whole family, with live music and refreshments. Manhattan Beach Library 1320 Highland Ave. 310-545-8595. Details

Summer Reading and Battle of the Books

6/13/2019

A love of reading is its own reward, but it's fun to get prizes, too! Click here to see how, and also to see MBUSD summer reading lists, Battle of the Books reading lists, and to sign up for the Summer of Discovery program at the Manhattan Beach Public Library.