 Our Lady of the Elms Elementary
Library
2008-2009 Shelf
Elf Mail Corner
Dear Elms Girls,
Over the summer of 2008
the carpeting was replaced in our library. We had to move mountains of books
and shelving into the hallway. The resulting dust, dirt and noise made the library a
noisy, unpleasant home for Miles, our shelf elf. He wrote me the following
letter explaining how he got sick over the summer and what he decided to do about getting
himself better.
Mr. DeFrange
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My
Dear Elms Children,
I’ve been sick. I wanted to write to Mr.
DeFrange’s computer again, but I couldn’t because it was turned off in the
summer. So you’ll have to suffer with my tiny handwriting. You may have
noticed my door at the entrance to my home and wondered why I put it there.
I’ve been sick and the door has helped me get a little more peace and
quiet.
Here’s how I got sick. It has been a busy
summer in this library as you can see when you look around. Before Mr.
DeFrange left for his summer break, he removed over two thousand five hundred
old and undesirable books from the shelves.
That was a help. Two and a half thousand
books old and worn books that I didn’t have to take care of! I was so happy.
But before he left for the summer, Mr. DeFrange had to move the whole Easy
Book collection to the hallway so some shelves could be relocated, walls
painted, old carpet pulled up and the new carpet put down. Oh the noise and
the dust I had to put up with all summer! And going into the hallway all
summer to dust the books out there while keeping all the rest of the
books clean in here just wore me out. I came down with a shelf elf disease
called Nervous Discombobulation. It’s disease that keeps a shelf elf from
falling asleep. I try and try to rest but I just can’t fall asleep. And
being a very old shelf elf, I have been without my mother for many years. My
mother used to read me bedtime stories to help me fall asleep. If any of you
want to read aloud to me through the doorway and help me fall asleep during
your library visit, I’d appreciate it very much. If you want to know what
books to read to me, just bring me the book you’ve checked out and read it
to me. I like every kind of book. Your reading will help me relax like when
my mother used to read to me when I was a little boy elf.
So, for right now I can’t do my job of taking
care of the books on the shelves—not until I recover from this Nervous
Discombobulation. But don’t you worry about the book collection. I’ve helped
every Elms librarian since 1923. I wouldn’t leave Mr. DeFrange and you children
without shelf elf expertise keeping the book collection nice and straight. I
have invited my niece, Millicent, to come stay with me in this library and
do the heavy lifting that I am too weak to do right now. My niece Millie is
my namesake. My sister named her only child after me, and Millie has turned
into a lovely young shelf elf. She’s a college girl elf who likes to read
all the chapter books and the lives of the saints after hours. I am so glad
that she agreed to come here and stay and help me. I invited her to move in
to my space and stay with me.
She laughed and said,
“Oh Uncle Miles, I’d drive you crazy
listening to my elf pod. Besides, the way I decorate things is just too
girlie for you. I‘ll move in to that empty space by the chapter books.”
“Millicent, “ I said, “That space is just
filthy. It hasn’t seen a good scrubbing in fifty years.”
“That’s no problem, Uncle Miles. I’m young
and healthy, and I know what a little 'elf-bow' grease can do. I’ll clean
and paint and make myself a way cool girlie pad where I can hang out and
read chapter books in my spare time. You won’t feel hurt, will you, Uncle
Miles?”
I told her to go ahead but that she’d have to get
it ready all by herself because I was too tired to help. So she did
everything all by herself. Her elf space looks very tidy now. Millicent’s
mother would be proud of her little girl. I know I am proud of Millicent.
So for the time being, children, you have two
shelf elves. Please treat the books and the library with love and care, and
Millicent and I will feel so glad we’re shelf-elving here at Our Lady of the
Elms. If you’ve forgotten the rules of book care, look at the shelf elf book
that Mr. DeFrange keeps in the library.
God bless you, children, and have a great
year at our Lady of the Elms Elementary Library.
Love,
Miles
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Fall 2008 Letters to Our Shelf Elves
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For MILES
Dear Shelf Elf,
Are you feeling good now? We were really worried about you.
Love,
Stefanie
Dear Stefanie,
It’s always nice to know someone cares. I’m on the mend, but
it will take a while for me to get back to my old shelving tricks. Be good
in the meantime!
Your Shelf Elf,
Miles
Dear Miles,
I hope you feel better you must be tired. I hope you liked
are reading.
Sophie J
Dear Sophie,
It’s just so thoughtful for you to read books to me. I can
relax and let my mind wander to all of the places that your stories take me.
Don’t forget to be a big help to Millie.
Yours in the library,
Miles
Miles,
(boy) I'm sorry that your sick
Ian R (K)
Dear Ian,
Everyone gets sick at times, even shelf elves. Thank you for
caring about my health.
Miles
Dear Miles
Your niece is probably beautiful I love her room especily
her scatebord.
?
Dear ?,
Millie certainly likes her skateboard! But I ALWAYS have to
remind her to wear her helmet and knee pads. I want her to
stay safe. Will you remind her now and then? Thanks!
Resting at home,
Miles
Dear Shelf elf,
Hope you feel better. Did you know that your nease has a
Star fish and a skateboard I bett you look handsom.
Love
Sophie V!!
Dear Sophie,
I’m feeling a teeny bit better. Thanks. Millie got the
starfish on a trip to the beach several years ago. She loves the ocean,
especially the sea creatures that live in that salty world. You know, there
are books that could teach you all about marine (sea) life right in our
library!
Happy reading,
Miles
Dear Shelf Elf,
We read your letter. Have you seen your neases room It is
Loveley she has a skate bord in it. Also has a star fish stuck to the wall.
Love,
Audrey Marie S
Dear Audrey Marie,
I agree! My niece does have a way with decorating! She likes
to surround herself with things that mean something special to her. I’ll bet
you have souvenirs and treasures—maybe even a favorite stuffed animal—in
your room, too!
Hangin’ out,
Miles
Dear Selfelef
I ferget your name I herd you wert felling beter today take
lotes of metason.
Lauren
Dear Lauren,
I think that resting and relaxing is the best medicine for
me!
Thanks for thinking about me and be good in the library!
Always a friend,
Miles
Dear Shelf Elf,
I hope your nees is good. You can give
her a treat.
Love, Elena
Dear Elena,
My niece is being good just by helping me out here with the
book shelves. She is also slim and trim and watches what she eats. She
doesn't seem interested in her Uncle Miles' elf candy these days.
Still taking it easy,
Miles
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For MILLIE
Hi,
My name is Morgan. I’m new here. I hope I like library this
year. I hope your Uncle feels better.
love,
Morgan
Dear Morgan,
Welcome to your new school! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m
new, too, so this year we’ll learn about the library together, okay?
Your new friend,
Millie
Dear Millie
I Love You
Love:
Emily R
Dear Emily R,
I’m going to really like getting to know all the Elms girls!
Have a good year in the library!
Your newest elf,
Millie
Dear Millie,
Hi. I like your sketbord. I’m not a big fan of pink I like
green. Love the StaR Fish. I like to read chapter books too! Are you a tomb
boy? I am. Do You like to play soccer. I love to Play soccer. Soccer is one
of my favorite sports. What tipe of Chapter books do you like to read? I
like to read anything. I’m a very loud girl. Do You ware nail polish? I like
to where green nail polsh write back
Theresa.
Dear Theresa,
My, you ARE a fan of green if you wear green nail polish! I
like lots and lots of colors, but decided to try pink for my house. I’ve
never worn green nail polish—usually pink or red. I wouldn’t call myself a
tomboy. Maybe I’m a tomgirl since I like girly things as well as
hiking and exploring. Reading chapter books is one of my favorite
hobbies—better than T.V.!
Learning my way around,
Millie
Dear Milly,
I hope that you like the place you live. I hope you never
get sick I’m glad moved in
Sincerely,
Natalie
Dear Natalie,
Maybe if I eat healthy foods and get enough sleep and
exercise I won’t get sick! But you and your friends can also help me stay
well, too! Keep the library neat and tidy so I don’t get overworked with
picking up scraps of paper and putting books back where they belong. Will
you do that?
Thanks for helping,
Millie
Milly I hope you like your new houws? What do you like? What
do you do all day?
Love,
Caroline
Dear Caroline,
My days go by very quickly in the library. Things can get
pretty messy here, so I hustle-bustle around, straightening things up and
making sure everything is neat as a pin. Am I doing a good job?
Your friend,
Millie
Dear Milly,
How are you? I love your house and I think your skateboard
is really cool? Do you guys have the 3rd Eragon Book? It’s called
Brisinger.
From?
Dear?
I’m great! I searched the online card catalog for the book
you want. Do you know how to do that? You can even search from your house!
Un- fortunately there is not a copy of Brisinger in the elementary
school library. But I have an idea. Why don’t you ask Mr. DeFrange, the
librarian, to check into ordering a copy? He’s always anxious to know what
you girls want to be reading.
Dear Millie,
My Name is Nikita. Do you have cats and dogs?
Dear Nikita,
Even though I like pets, dogs (especially BIG dogs) are my
absolute favorite. I don’t have a dog right now because they need lots of
room to run around for fun and exercise. And you’ve seen how tiny my house
is! I just finished reading a story about a dog. Do you have a favorite book
about an animal? Maybe even a horse?
Smiles from Millie
Dear Milly,
Are you prety? What is a Elfpod?
Dear?
Have you ever heard of an iPod? Well an Elfpod is an iPod
for elves! I love to listen to mine!
Rockin’ with the tunes,
Millie
Dear Elms girls,
‘Tis
the season for ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties. Pay
particular attention on Halloween night!
Shakin' in my shoes,
Millie
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Millie Answers Winter 2008 Holiday Letters
Millie and Miles Answer
Spring 2009 Letters
Millie’s Mailbox
Dear Shelf Elf,
Are you in love with anyone nammed Mattew?
Isabelle B.
Dear Isabelle B.,
Good question! The little rolled up verses that you’ve found are not from
a boyfriend, but definitely from a very special Matthew. . . . . the Matthew of
the Bible! Matthew is the name of one of the first books in the New Testament.
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all “authors” that all tell the story of Jesus’
life.
From,
Your shelf elf Millie
Dear Shelf Ellf,
Will you mark all the shelf Elf houses whith paper? Could you mark the
college to? Make sure we can see them!
Chloe
Dear Chloe,
While I am pleased you are so interested in my house. I think that if
(and that’s a big if) I know of any other special little cottages in the
library I will keep them hidden. Elves need their privacy, you know. I’m sure
you won’t mind. Are you remembering to return your books on time?
Your friend, Millie
Dear Shelf elf
How are you boing? How oled are you? Thes questins are ask by Kathryn
Coughlin
Dear Kathryn,
I am fine, thank you. But you must remember an elf NEVER tells her age! I
am not too young and I am not too old. Like Goldilocks said in The Three
Bears, I am just right!
Lost in a good book,
Millie
Dear Shelf Elf,
I hope you are well now. Brs. Buzzi is sick, so am I. Well a little
bit. My mom and dad are sick too.
Laura Bute, 3rd grade A
Dear Laura,
I am well, thank you. I drink a glass of orange juice with my breakfast
every morning and try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. I think that
helps keep me healthy. (I do have a weakness for a good chocolate chip cookie,
though!) Were you a big help to your mom and dad when they were under the
weather? (That means not feeling well.)
Love from your elf-y friend,
Millie
Dear Millie,
Please look
afater Miles he’s not looking Well, Please be sure to check on him.
Sincerely,
Sophie J.
Dear Sophie J.,
I think that maybe Miles has a case of Spring Fever! I know I do! Those
with Spring Fever are impatient for warm, sunny days and green buds on the
trees. Miles will be better when kite flying season is here. And he always
feels better when the library is spic and span. Are you doing all you can to
keep the library tidy?
Your library companion,
Millie
Dear Shelf elf,
Your room
is rely clean.
Lauren
Dear Lauren,
Thanks, I try! Is your room clean at home?
Your friend,
Millie
And now for
a few words from Uncle Miles. . . .
Shelf Elf,
How are you doing?
Love,
Audrey Smith
Dear
Audrey,
Much better, thank you. This long rest has been good for me. I’m soooo glad
that Millie has been able to take over! Are you being a big help to her?
From,
Miles
How many books have you written and illustrated have a good recoverment!
Dear
?
I
wish I was talented enough to write and illustrate a book! How wonderful it
would be to see one of your own books on a real library shelf! Have you ever
tried to write a story and draw pictures to go with it? It’s a difficult thing
to do!
Resting in a sunbeam,
Miles
Dear Shelf Elf,
How are you doing? Did the lepercon do anything to you? If the lepercon
did, I hope you don’t get hurt!
Love,
Stefanie Wyszkowski
Dear
Stefanie,
Thank you for your concern! Both Millie and I survived St. Patrick’s Day and
our sneaky leprechaun friends! This year when we awoke on the morning of March
17th, all of the furniture in our house was upside down! Such a
funny sight to see! In short order all was back to normal and we had a good
laugh. Now we have to watch out for that silly Easter Bunny!!!
Love from Millie & Miles
P.S. Have a wonderful spring break! May we all enjoy warm and sunny April
days! If a stiff breeze kicks up, Millie and I may go fly a kite—how
about you?
Summer 2009
Letters from Millie & Miles
Dear Shelf Elf (Miles),
If you heard screamaing we watched a scary movie about snakes.
Get well soon,
Sophie
Dear Sophie,
Yuck!
Snakes make me scream, too! All that slithering around and showing up
unannounced makes me glad I don’t live where there are too many! Did you find
any books about snakes in the library?
Your Elf-y friend,
Miles
Dear Shelf elf.
My favrit color is pink What is yours?
Love
Isabella Ceepo, 1st Grade
Dear Isabella,
That’s a
tough question! I have different favorites on different days! Today I like
marine blue. Can you tell?
Your colorful elf,
Miles
Dear Miles,
I hope you fell better. How long have you
benn sick
Best wishs
Love Brenna P.
Dear Brenna,
I’m getting
better and better all the time. Thank you for thinking of me!
Stronger every day,
Miles
Dear Millie,
You have a
organiesd room.
Lauren
Dear Millie,
I love your room! Do you wuth to be my Bff? I love you!
Hannah V.
Dear Lauren
and Hannah,
I like to
be organized. When I put my belongings away in their own special places, I
always know where to find them. If I’m in a hurry I can just grab what I need
and go. And I don’t have to spend a fun Saturday cleaning my house, either!
Are you both helping to keep the library organized so everybody can find books
in a hurry? We certainly don’t want to have to spend the nice days in June
cleaning up the bookshelves!!!!
Your organized Shelf Elf,
Millie
P.S. All of
the Elms girls (and boys) are my BFFs!
Millie
Oh, just one
more thing. . . .
We want to
wish all of our Elms friends a safe and sunny summer!
Love from the library,
Millie and Miles
