Today, October 16, is national Librarians’ Day!
Librarians are very special people. They introduce the world to imagination, facts, and more. Many people think of the local library when they think of a librarian. However, librarians can be found in other places as well.
Most schools now have a librarian. So what is a school librarian? A school librarian is usually used during a cycle of plan periods for teachers. The students go to the library and check out books. The librarian is in charge of ordering and stocking books for the library. Many librarians organize book fairs and more. While these are the simple characteristics of a school librarian, a good school librarian does more.
A good librarian does more than allow children to check out books. A good school librarian teaches children to love literature. A librarian reads to children and teaches them the elements of literature. An effective school librarian is excited about reading and passes on that excitement to the children. The children should find going to the library to be a positive and fulfilling experience.
During a child’s early academic career, the librarian should introduce children to various types of genre. Children should learn about both fiction and nonfiction books. Children should gain the understanding that books are treasures.
I have been at some schools where librarians simply showed the children movies and allowed them to check out books and take accelerated reading test. There was no enthusiasm about reading. There were no skills being taught.
While teachers are also responsible for teaching children about literature, librarians are additional great assets.
Wherever you decide to visit a librarian today, make sure that he/she knows how special you think he/she is. Be especially thankful if your school or local community is fortune enough to have an energetic, book lover for a librarian.
Organizing Your Personal Library
Observations at the Library on Saturday