It seems like everything is going warp speed this year. All of our students are back in the building. As much as that makes my heart burst, it also leaves me to wonder "now what." The library was closed last year except for the occasional (or daily) classes that needed to be covered because a teacher was in quarantine and substitute teachers were scarce. So I couldn't let the students come who actually wanted to be in the library, and I had to take the classes where the students demonstrated they would rather be anywhere else but the library. Needless to say, my library program took a hit. I did have my virtual calendars of activities, but the regular library students were physically absent.
However, I digress. I didn't start this month's blog to complain about last year. I am ready to start fresh and begin building my program to its former glory before COVID. So my first move was to make sure I saw every English class to talk about library procedures, the book club, and our monthly activities. I especially needed to target the Freshman class. After all, many of them haven't seen the inside of a school since the fall semester of their 7th grade year. Since I am the only librarian here, I decided that my goal was to see each of the classes by the end of the first six weeks. As of now, I am still seeing classes, but the results have been great.
So my library introduction went one of two ways. The teachers could bring their students to the library for a quick orientation and then book check out, or I made "house calls" where I went to the classrooms to promote the library. Then I brought a cart of books with me for check out (when the teachers asked). The results - I am having a BUSY August. However, it has been totally worth it. I have more participation in the book club & the monthly activities this year.
It's been a whirlwind, but it's a fantastic day when I see multiple classes.
Here is the information I organized for the library introduction. It was a lot of work, but I am so glad I put forth the effort.
- Introduction
- Scavenger Hunt
- 40 Book Pledge (book club)
