Forget the image of a quiet library where no one speaks above a whisper.

A group of elementary librarians in Hyde Park are collaborating on fun, interactive and, yes, noisy projects for students to show them how to use the library for research and reading.

Games, music and even commercials help students learn about biographies and book reports, and what can be found where in the library in this Dutchess County district.

"There are five elementary buildings, and this way we get some equity and make sure we're all doing similar things," said Sharon Foster, a librarian and member of the Hyde Park Teachers Association, which is led by Ronald Perry.

The local union negotiated into its contract an alternative to the more straightforward annual performance review.

Now, for two years out of a three-year contract, members can instead choose to do a professional development project.

Librarians Foster, Alice Dawson, Lauranne Billus, Michele Makowicki and Pam Woodward worked together to create a library skills foundation for each elementary student.

Initially, they consulted with middle school librarian Melanie Bonanza so their plans would meet the needs of students at the middle level. The team continued to meet monthly for several hours.

Now they are off and running. And so are the students.

Consider the kids in Billus' library: They get to play baseball. She uses the game to help the students review the Dewey decimal system, following a unit on the same subject.

Here's how the game is played:

Billus puts chairs into two dugout formations, then sets up bases.

She places index cards face down in the spot where she "pitches" questions. Each card has a question — "Where would I find a book on dogs?" for example — and how many bases a correct answer will get the batter. An incorrect answer sends the player to the dugout. Talking, other than cheering a correct answer, will equal a strike, as will poor sportsmanship.

Next up is librarian Woodward. Her specialty is making biographies come alive by incorporating a talking wax museum into her lesson plans after fourth-grade teachers taught students about well-known New Yorkers.

The library media specialist guides boys and girls in choosing a biography suited to their reading level.

Then the real fun begins:

Woodward models a "talking statue" a la Madame Tussaud, creator of the famous wax museums. She holds an object in her hand with a sign saying "push me."

When the spot is pushed, she shares highlights of her character's life. Students take their turns, dressing in the period costume of their characters, using props as necessary, and sharing biographical facts.

Other fun activities include having students learn about an animal — a chicken, say — through questions and reading.

Then, they wander about as the animal might, following the librarian around, across, through and under tables and chairs and bookshelves.

Using egg shakers, found at stores selling musical instruments, they sing, dance and shake the eggs.

Puppet shows allow students to give an oral presentation, or commercial, about a book they read. It helps to get them to visualize what a book report requires. They can also use the puppets to act out characters.

Using stones, Makowicki has students race to the appropriate shelf and place the stone where the book is with the call letters and numbers she has provided.

Solving crimes and reading poetry are other lively projects. All were presented at the School Library Media Specialist conference this spring.