[LM_NET] How I keep track of my reading for the library

[Liz Frame <fourefs@SBCGLOBAL.NET>]

QUESTION ASKED: I was wondering....with all this reading, how do you keep track of 
what you have read or haven't read? Do you keep reviews or a reading log that 
students can access? Or are you blogging your reading?
 
MY RESPONSE:
During the summer, we challenge our students to read and log an average of 1 book 
per week, on their reading level. Those that do so receive a "free dress day" once 
school begins, which is a BIG DEAL in a school with a uniform requirement. We also 
grant the teachers a free dress day for reading 1 book per week on their teaching 
level and / or an adult book. Because I use my summers to read everything I can get 
my hands on, I keep a log of my readings (title / author / age level / suitability 
to school needs), and I am able to use that resource to order or wishlist books 
during the school year.

I also make it known to students, parents AND staff just how many books I read 
during the summer. While this summer I was busy with a daughter's wedding and ONLY 
read 194 books, the previous summer I logged 313 books. When everyone realizes that 
I read 20 times as much as they did, they begin to understand my passion for 
children's literature. I also have never received any comment since then that is 
snide regarding my reading. In fact, they know I am their "Go-To" person.

Perhaps one way to combat an attitude of "I wish I could read all day," is to 
respond with the number of books you have been able to read within the past week / 
month / year, lamenting of course that with 10,000 new children's books arriving on 
the scene each year, you are always behind. A sly side of me would also offer a 
stack of 12 books to any doubter, asking them to be returned on Monday. :-)

Blessings,

Liz Frame
Librarian
San Antonio Christian Elementary School
fourefs@sbcgloal.net

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