Cause for Concern?

This morning, another librarian and I were discussing a current "chapter" book to decide if we thought it was appropriate for our elementary school libraries. The mature content did not match its low reading level. She said over the past few years, she had noticed a trend of higher content but lower reading levels. She asked me what did I think that was saying about our society. 

I have been thinking about this all afternoon. What does it say? Is there cause for concern? Are our children maturing sooner or reading later? Are publishers deeming books appropriate for a certain age before they are ready or should be ready? 

As a librarian, this does have implications. Librarians have several methods to critique each book. I use them. However, after our discussion today, I am determined to research even more. I will be even more diligent to make certain the books I have in my library are the best, most appropriate literature available for the children I serve. More than ever before, awards and accolades cannot be the lone deciding factors. I cannot solely trust a catalog blurb and the assignment of a reading level to make my choices. I never did. 

I am not a censor. I love the written word! I love books! I love the freedom of thought and mind that flows between those bound pages. It's why I became a librarian. I will send that book to a higher-level library where it can be appreciated. For here, I will enrich with another. 

That Breakthrough Book

It was in third grade when I discovered Nancy Drew. I decided to give reading one more chance with a book I had gotten from my school library. Although I was a skilled reader, I really did not enjoy the act of reading until I opened the cover of The Secret of the Old Clock- the first book of the Nancy Drew series. My life changed in that moment. I had found my book, my series, a character I loved and admired. I became obsessed with the series and then mysteries in general and then just books.

Books, books, and more books filled my life and became my greatest enjoyment, friends almost. The characters are real to me. The settings are places to which I literarily go. Their adventures are my adventures, and their risks are mine safely taken. 

We want Lobit Library to be the place that offers THAT book to your child. Our mission is to help every student find his or her breakthrough book. What was your breakthrough book? Please share! I would love to do a lesson on this with your children. Please let us know what book turned you into the reader you are today! 

What Makes a Great Library?

I inhale deeply as I unbox the new books awaiting me on my circulation desk. Nothing compares to that new-page smell. The slick covers and intact bindings entice me to smooth my hand across the titles. I love new-book days! Sometimes, these are the best days. As I shelve them, I wonder are these what make a great library? 

Of course, a great library MUST have a balanced collection of relevant current books students are passionate about and beloved classics. From Captain Underpants to Charlotte's web, books are the library. But, can well-stocked shelves alone create the place students long to be? Is the magic of a library conjured only from within the leaves of its many volumes?

As a school librarian, I say there is so much more! Library sponsored author visits, book fairs at family nights, special events such as comic cons and story concerts, celebrating nationally-recognized days like Poem in Your Pocket Day and Hour of Code infuse the school with library love and highlight the vital roles a library and librarian play in the school community. 

What can we do more to make Lobit Education Village Library the place you want to be?

Check out this blog throughout the year to keep up with all the magical things taking place right here at the LEV Library!