What a Week It Was

Two funny things happened in the library that I feel like sharing.  (Readers know I love to toot my own horn.)

Story #1: As I was doing background research for a Dewey Decimal System lesson I was planning for a 4th grade class, I was struck by what I came to call a conspiracy of the computers.  The school ones were not operational because the powers that be were changing the system, and mine at home developed an uncooperative printer.  To make a long story short, I was still printing out the handouts for the class 20 minutes before class time, and begged the nice man who works in the copy room to provide enough for everyone asap.  As I was speaking to the class, I was simultaneously making out the activity cards (a Dewey number that the kids were supposed to match up with a book).  The students actually found books for many of them.  For the rest, I told the searchers that if there was none for their number, it might be checked out, and they should write down a nearby title.  I was uncertain how well the lesson went over until this past Monday (six days later), when students in the same class came in with the assignment to read nonfiction animal books.  Some kids actually asked me for the Dewey numbers, and when I told them, either found the books on the shelves or told me the book wasn’t there!  (The latter turned out to be a misshelved book, which I found.)  When I shared this story with the teacher, she was impressed.  I’ve been patting myself on the back all week.

Story #2: Several weeks ago, I promised a 2nd grade class that we would do a reader’s theater at their next visit.  In the meantime, the teacher and I thought that since the next session was scheduled for March 2, I might do something on a Dr. Seuss theme.  When the class arrived, as the kids were returning their books, they excitedly talked about the reader’s theater.  A promise is a promise, I thought, and dug out the scripts.  As we were about to begin, the teacher commented that 2nd graders are probably too old for Dr. Seuss books.  I mentioned that there are a number of titles that are definitely of interest to children this age, and handed her The Lorax.  After the “production,” which the kids enjoyed so much that they wanted to do it again next time, the teacher said there was time to at least begin reading a book.  I picked up The Lorax, which is what I had chosen (although Yertle the Turtle came a close second.)  Unfortunately, this was the end of the school day, and dismissal time arrived.  The kids were so disappointed, and begged me to continue next time.  (They might give their teacher no peace.)  And I think the teacher learned something today as well.

All’s Well That Ends Better

Today was a perfect example of J.R.R. Tolkien’s words of wisdom.

I awoke this morning feeling rather out of sorts, and would have loved nothing better than to crawl back into bed.  However, duty called, and I had the niggling feeling a class might have reserved the first library time slot of the day without the requested week’s notice.  (Or, less likely, the teacher signed in, but I neglected to make a note of it.)  So, dedicated librarian or creature of habit or glutton for punishment or whatever else I may be, I made a supreme effort to drag myself out of the house, to the subway station, and on to work.

The niggling feeling had not deceived me.  A fourth grade class was indeed coming in five minutes.  And, as if that were not enough, I had indicated I was beginning to teach students library skills, offered the teachers their choice with which to begin the unit–and, naturally, this particular educator selected the proficiency that required advanced preparation!  Fortunately, a quick conference with an understanding teacher resulted in a change of topic.  And so, unknown to her or her students, this librarian (amid groans that I wasn’t going to read a story but teach) gave a 100% impromptu introduction to the Dewey Decimal System entitled, “Dewey or Don’t We? Dewey!”  The kids were impressed that such cool books that could be found in the nonfiction section, and that simply by knowing a bunch of numbers, they could walk into a library anywhere and find a book about global warming or leopards.  The teacher was impressed enough that she’s making time in her tightly-packed schedule to bring the students back next week for a continuation of the lesson.  This could be the start of something beautiful…

And the day only got better.  From the compliments on my hastily-made Library Lover’s Month crown, to “happening” to meet the right person to troubleshoot problems with a temperamental computer, to finding a group of eighth-graders ripe for a pep talk on reading more before the schoolwide Book Blitz ends in two and a half weeks, this is yet another day I’m happy I made the effort to go to work.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be even better!