Nyack High School

Library   Biblioteca   圖書館  գրադարան   bibliothèque   perpustakaan  

ライブラリ  thư viện   도서관  ห้องสมุด    fale faitautusi   knjižnica  

библиотека   könyvtár   knihovna   taman pustaka   maktabadda    مكتبة

The library has print materials, non-print materials, electronic resources and more available for all students. Students may use the library during their study hall, lunch, or cafe option period. Students who wish to use the library during study hall must report to study hall first, have attendance taken and get a pass from their study hall teacher. Only 2 students per study hall may receive a pass to the library. These students must remain in the library until the end of the period. During “option” periods, students must remain in the library for the entire period. Students who wish to come to the library at any other time during the school day must have a pass from a teacher or administrator. Students should be engaged in something productive, working independently or in small groups, doing classwork or homework, reading or studying.

No food is permitted in the library, including during lunch time. Drinks in covered containers are okay.

*New NYS Law for 2025-2026: NO cellphones or personal electronic devices during the school day (7:30-2:14). This includes during any Cafe Option/Off Periods and during lunch. The law is in effect from first bell to final bell.

We look forward to serving our students with their curriculum needs. It is recommended that all students join the Library's Schoology Page (ask for the Access Code) for more information about the library, its resources, and help with school assignments.

  Follow the library on Instagram for the most recent updates and announcements! @NyackHSLibrary

• Click here for an informational brochure about the library!
• The NHS Library Book Club meets once per month in the GLC. New members are always welcome! For more information, see the Library Schoology Page or contact Ms. Birro!
• Students who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability, may be eligible to receive free services from The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL).
• If you are an NHS student who is looking for a peer tutor to help you, please fill out this form. An Honor Society Advisor (teacher) will match you to a tutor and set up your initial meeting. Check your email regularly. *only students can access the form*
• Click here for instructions on how to log into school computers and learning platforms (i.e. Schoology)
• Tech Trouble? Fill out a Help Desk Ticket by clicking here.

One Book, One School, Community Read: Solito by Javier Zamora

What is a Community Read?

• A community-wide ‘One Book One School’ read is a shared reading experience where all members of a community read the same title. They then have discussions and take part in a variety of activities that are connected to the book.

What are the benefits?

• Builds community across ages, interests, and backgrounds

• Generates excitement about books & nurtures a culture of literacy

• Inspires & encourages readers of all abilities

• Provides opportunities for meaningful conversations about ideas, social issues, and/or historical legacies

What is the book about?

• Javier Zamora’s memoir recounts the 3,000-mile journey from his small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala and Mexico, and across the U.S. border. He left behind his beloved aunt and grandparents to reunite with a mother who left four years prior and a father he barely remembers. Traveling alone amid a group of strangers and a “coyote” hired to lead them to safety, Javier expects his trip to last two short weeks. At nine years old, all Javier can imagine is rushing into his parents’ arms, snuggling in bed between them, and living under the same roof again. He cannot foresee the perilous boat trips, relentless desert treks, pointed guns, arrests and deceptions that await him; nor can he know that those two weeks will expand into two life-altering months alongside fellow migrants who will come to encircle him like an unexpected family.

 Quick Facts:

•  A memoir is a creative non-fiction book focusing on a specific, personal period, theme, or series of events in the author's life, rather than their entire life story. Derived from the French word for memory, these books use narrative storytelling, scenes, and deep emotional reflection to convey a subjective, true story.

• Javier Zamora was born in La Herradura, El Salvador in 1990. When he was a year old, his father fled El Salvador due to the US-funded Salvadoran Civil War (1980-1992). His mother followed her husband’s footsteps in 1995 when Javier was about to turn five. Zamora was left at the care of his grandparents who helped raise him until he migrated to the US when he was nine.

• Solito is Javier’s story, but it’s also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home.

Where to get the book?

• Option 1: Borrow - There will be a limited number of copies available to students at Nyack Middle School & Nyack High School. Copies are also available at our local public libraries (Nyack and Valley Cottage).

• Option 2: Purchase - The book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at local bookstores. Big Red Books in Nyack will have copies for sale and offer a 15% discount when students show their school ID or school schedule. Pickwick Books in Nyack will also have copies and offer a 10% discount. Nyack Staff can also receive a discount.

• Option 3: Digital - Nyack Students & staff can access limited eBook & audiobook copies on the Sora app. The audiobook is available on Spotify [Premium] and a few other streaming services.

SUMMER READING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ENGLISH CLASSES, INCLUDING SENIOR ELECTIVES (except AP's):

1. Read Solito: a memoir by Javier Zamora
   

2. Read a second book (any book) of your choice

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES:

1.  Read Solito: a memoir by Javier Zamora

2.  Read Shallow Waters by Anita Kopacz
   

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION:

1. Read Solito: a memoir by Javier Zamora

2. Read The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION:

1. Read Solito: a memoir by Javier Zamora 
   

2. Read Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

EARN EXTRA CREDIT IN SEPTEMBER

Register AND participate in the Summer Reading Program at the Nyack Public Library or the Valley Cottage Public Library to earn extra-credit and win great prizes!

• INFORMATION: 

  • Valley Cottage Public Library Summer Reading Program

  • Nyack Public Library Summer Reading Program

• REGISTRATION: To register for the teen Summer Reading programs at the Nyack and Valley Cottage Libraries, please click this link: REGISTRATION

Need Book Suggestions? Have Questions? Ask the librarians:

• Morgan Strand - Nyack Public Library - mstrand@nyacklibrary.org 

• Katrina Hohfeld - Valley Cottage Library - khohlfeld@rcls.org