Booking and Blogging at SOMS

South Orange Middle School librarian Elissa Malespina is edgy, as in cutting-edge. New to SOMS this year, Malespina spent the summer developing a library website and refining a blog that focuses on middle school books and reading. 

"Bookmark them," says Malespina, as she explains that she wanted to put "everything in one place for the kids, sort of one-stop shopping" when it comes to finding information or simply a good book.

Malespina knows her clientele. She has spent the last five years as a librarian at Columbia High School, and she lives in South Orange. A graduate of Seton Hall University, married to a man who was educated at SOMS and CHS, and active in the community, Malespina recognizes what her local readers need and enjoy.

"I love being asked questions," she says. "I am here as a librarian to be the answer person, to help students and teachers find the answers they need."

A question that students often ask is, "What should I read?" To better answer the question, Malespina has spent the summer setting up the SOMS site, organizing the library, and immersing herself in young adult literature.

Malespina's site is modeled after those of librarians she knows, and she recognizes that it will take time to build the site and the blog. She encourages students to share book recommendations online or simply to come in and talk books in the library. Malespina recommends The Hunger Games and its two sequels, and she's happy to share everything but spoilers.

Besides student contributions to the virtual sites, Malespina enthusiastically welcomes parent help in the bricks-and-mortar library. She promises job satisfaction and book suggestions galore, both online and live in the library

To volunteer at the SOMS library, email Elissa Malespina directly at: emalespi@somsd.k12.nj.us