Susan -
I'm at a small school so I can't speak for every situation, but I found that
saying yes to as much as feasible helps. Break the boundaries of what
the library is perceived to be and welcome everything in...music, gatherings,
meetings, exhibits, so that everyone in the school gets to see the place.
Make sure what they see is warm, inviting and helpful, a place they want
to return to.
As much as possible, don't close at lunch and don't lock up at the end of
the last period. I have trivia games and chess during lunch, and students
may bring food in (the deal is they are careful with it and clean up...so
far,
so good). I'm not crazy about spending time in the teacher's room anyway.
I'd rather spend time teaching the kids something and getting them used
to the library as the place to be. There's a wide variety of quick stuff you
can do with them. I ask them about current events, what they've heard on
the news, what they're watching on TV, their personal interests, etc., while
playing games. The conversation flows more easily if it's incidental.
Let them bring things in to show you. I have kids who bring in guitars to
play. One is bringing in his new bike as soon as it comes in. Another is
bringing in his new
paintball equipment. Anything they mention to you, invite them to bring it
in if
possible. They may not want to bother, but they'll remember the invitation.
Have something going on often so that the library is included in the morning
and afternoon announcements at least once or twice a week, even if it's to
announce you're open at lunch for games, or looking for overdue books,
or to announce upcoming events. Keep the library in everyone's mind
constantly.
Keep the collection as current as the budget will allow so that people see
new stuff all the time. When my money runs low, I go to the public library,
borrow THEIR copies of shiny new YA books for a month and circulate them
until I can afford to buy my own copies.
Music, comfortable chairs and floor cushions, warm lighting, soft music,
and most of all, answers to everyone's questions.
Best wishes -
Steve
Steve Patnode
Grades 7-12 SLMS
Chazy Central Rural School
Chazy, NY 12921
sun85@aol.com
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