When Ignorance Is Not Bliss

There is something that is troubling me.  It’s not the first time I’ve come up against something like this, but this takes the proverbial cake.  I ask your indulgence if you have heard me rant on this topic before.

It all began some weeks ago.  The principal of a start-up school, where I set up a library literally from the ground up last fall, met me outside her office one morning.  She was upset, and refused to allow me to enter the library–which was being used by a teacher working with a small group of students.  It appears that the school administrator did not understand why I worked so many days that were not part of the verbal agreement (which I was not even a party to) while the library and its collection were being made ready for business.  He expressed his displeasure at the amount I was paid during those weeks!  Not always the quickest thinker, especially under duress, I could not sufficiently overcome the shock to properly respond.  I would need to meet with the administrator and discuss the “situation.”

When I was finally allowed to take off my coat, I began to think.  Had I done something wrong or deceitful?  It seemed to me that the administrator had that impression.  At no time during the whirlwind of activity that transformed a room full of boxes of books into a small but viable library did this question arise.  I was only encouraged to complete the task as soon as possible, so class sessions could begin.  After about six weeks, the collection and I were ready for the youngsters.  The beginning was literally stormy, thanks to Hurricane Sandy and an early snowstorm a couple of weeks later.   As the students learned about the library and its treasures, and I became acquainted with the eager young visitors, there began  to be sense of mutual anticipation as library time approached.

Until now.  My careful preparation for the meeting with the administrator seems to be for naught.  I wrote a detailed letter describing the myriad duties of the position, from building a library from scratch, through implementing a circulation system, through planning class sessions, through maintaining the collection, through evaluating all reading materials.  This does not appear to impress the administrator.  He was not aware of this.  Why does a librarian need so much time to fulfill her duties?  So now my pay is reduced to “make up” for the advance preparation time.   On top of that, I am expected to continue to do the preparation, book selection, and everything else I do at home.

Perhaps I will meet with the administrator again.  I have a clearer plan of what to say now.  If he is willing to listen, fine.  If not. . .

Good Clean Fun

The plane barely touched down, bringing my husband and me back from an incredible five days visiting our new granddaughter and her family, when reality encroached on our feelings of warmth and fond memories.  There were the usual issues clamoring for our attention: household, family, and so on.  As each had varying degrees of urgency, we prioritized, and planned to take a breather before jumping into our normal routine.

Yet something about this time of year is not quite normal.  Every winter, I begin a book-selecting frenzy.  This is the time state funds for library materials must be spent, and I anticipate this by beginning my “wish lists” sometime in the autumn.  However, at my new school, the principal informed me that we also receive state funding–and I should put together an order asap.  Do several months of preparation in several weeks?  No problem.  After all, I’ve been doing this for more than twenty years.  I know what types of books are most needed, so this should be easy.

It should be.  However, as I looked for titles of chapter books for the 2nd-to-3rd-grade set (a gap that needs filling), many choices presented themselves.  Some came recommended; others came to my attention through a bit of searching.

Here is where the “however” comes in.  One promising series features a classroom of children in which several students are constantly bickering with each other (and the teacher is compelled to separate them).  If that weren’t enough, when the protagonist is unhappy about a situation, his older sister suggests a solution that would result in physical harm to the little boy.  This may be the reality in some schools and some families, but need it be glorified?  Then there are the stories that employ liberal amounts of humor that borders on the gross.  Okay, many kids like it.  And if we provide what they want, there’s a chance they’ll eventually choose something a bit more uplifting.

Call me old-fashioned or whatever you want, but I don’t entirely agree.  Yes, the point is to get the kids to be enthusiastic about reading.  But why not make a little extra effort and make sure that what they find on our shelves is not only entertaining but also enriching?  Our kids will be the better for it.  I’ve personally seen the rowdiest youngsters borrow some of the most meaningful tales.  (And if that marvelous book we remember so fondly is out of print, that is, thankfully, usually no obstacle.)

So, yes, whatever turns a child on to reading is worthwhile.  But isn’t an affinity for books worthy of the endeavor on the part of librarians–and everyone else who chooses reading material for children–to stock the shelves with titles that are the best we can provide?

Serendipity and Swollen Ankles

There must be a reason.  After months of planning and preparing, and unavoidable delays such as school closings courtesy of Hurricane Sandy, my brand-new school library was finally open for business and pleasure.  (Teachers and therapists had already begun taking advantage of what I have to offer even before the library was fully operational.)  Classes would visit in a two-week cycle: half one week, half the following week.

The first cycle came and went and, even though there were some bugs, I think the kids enjoyed the sessions.  Teacher feedback was positive, and I began to look forward to the return of the eager readers to my domain.

However, my body sent me a different message.  In the past, one or another of my joints has staged a protest (and even, on occasion, sustained an actual injury to justify its malaise).  This time, I woke up one morning to swelling, redness, and pain–and no memory of having done anything to cause these symptoms.  Dedicated librarian–or foolhardy person–that I am, I went to work for two days despite the discomfort and limited mobility.  Only on the third day did I listen to the voice of reason–my husband’s–and stay home.  So far, no cause has been found, although I am in for more testing and evaluations in the days to come.

Why now, I ask?  When I finally can begin working with the wonderful kids at my new school, and the library sessions are part of the established schedule, it is frustrating that I must postpone class visits after only one cycle!  Not only that, it certainly does not send a good message about my ability to function as a capable member of the faculty.

Yet, I am forgetting a few things.  My administrator, even though she has high expectations for the members of the educational team (and rightly so), is human.  As such, she is aware that our physical selves do not always function at 100%.  (And I am sure she remembers that I am often among the last to leave at the end of the day, reluctant to leave anything unfinished.)  Further, what has happened–or when–is certainly not my choice.  Who would prefer to lie around the house, in pain and unable to maneuver without difficulty, instead of going to a job that is enjoyable and fulfilling?  Since I believe that there is a Creator running the world, it is a given that He knows what is best.  It is up to me to discover the reasons for what has befallen me–or, at the least, understand that this is for the best.  I can only grow and become better for this experience.

I have already seen one silver lining: a relative who has written two novels is paying me to proofread her work–and is helping me to find other “customers.”  How fortunate we are when something so clearly opportune presents itself.

Approaching the Finish/Starting Line

When you think of the word marathon, you probably think of a long race involving hundreds of participants.  Boston might come to mind, or New York.  Perhaps you know someone who has run.  Maybe you have yourself.  If so, you have earned my respect.

I’m running in a marathon of sorts.  Since taking on the delightful and challenging job of setting up a new school library catering to preschoolers through second graders, I’ve been moving steadily toward the goal of opening for business and conducting class sessions.  Now that the finish line is in sight–the principal has indicated that she wants me to begin meeting classes next week–the race is becoming even more intense.  In addition to ensuring that the physical space is ready for the little ones, I must be prepared with programs that will engage the kids and turn them onto the magnificent world of books and reading.  As this dedicated and determined librarian huffs and puffs her way to the above-mentioned finish line (which is in reality not the end of the race but the beginning of a year-long endeavor), she is unearthing some gems that beg to be shared.

Prim and proper Elliot, whose attire of choice is a tuxedo, isn’t exactly looking forward to a trip to the aquarium with his father.  Once there, however, he discovers Magellanic penguins, and decides one would make an ideal pet.  After all, they wear tuxedos just like his!  What happens next makes this very funny story one that kids will adore from the first page to the surprising ending.

Alphabet books will never be the same.  It all starts when “Adelaide annoyed Bailey./Bailey blamed Clyde…” and on through the whole alphabet of cantankerous preschoolers.  But all is not hopeless: the kids learn that being nice also has a ripple effect.  Hilarious.

A mother duck is searching for one of her eight babies.  As she asks various animals if they have seen the youngster, children will have a blast pointing out the duckling, who is hiding on every page.  The beautiful pictures tell the story in this treasure–and the repetition of “Have you seen my duckling?” gives young readers the satisfaction of reading the book themselves.  Although published more than twenty years ago, this timeless treasure is every bit as charming as her more recent Silly Little Goose and Blue Goose.

TV.  If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they’ll have with twenty-six.  Open your child’s imagination.  Open a book.  ~Author Unknown

Picture Books and More Picture Books!

Those of you who follow my blog will have to excuse me. I was so enthusiastic about some goodies that I’m adding to my new school library collection that I clicked the “Publish” button before I wrote the post!  Here is the post that I intended to write:

As I work at a frenetic pace to make my new library ready for business, many treasures are coming to my attention.  The urgency to be up and running has not lessened the excitement of preparing these books for sharing with youngsters–and hopefully turning the little tykes into eager readers and library users.

Here are a couple gems that are sure to be kid-pleasers.

Meet Scaredy Squirrel.  True to his name, he is afraid of everything: poison ivy, Martians, and sharks, to name a few.  With such a dangerous world, Scaredy is perfectly content to stay in his nice, safe tree–until the sudden appearance of a bee frightens him and he drops his emergency kit.  When the fearful squirrel leaps out of the tree after it, he discovers an ability he didn’t know he had.  This is the first in a humorous series that is a sensation with kids, whether or not they have phobias of their own.  Scaredy reminds me of Alvin Ho, Lenore Look’s phobia-ridden second-grader who has a series and a PDK (Personal Disaster Kit) of his own (perfect for 8-10-year-olds).

Alphabet books will never be the same!  Barbara Bottner, the genius behind one of my favorites, Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t), works her magic again with this incredibly funny story.  A classroom of kids, beginning with Adelaide,  exhibits less-than-desirable behavior.  What happens when Zelda has had her turn?  You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

More to come…

Picture Books Everywhere!

I’m on picture book cloud nine.  When a principal, with whom I worked for many years before she moved to a start-up school in 2011, asked me this summer to join her faculty, I was immediately excited.  And for good reason(s).  The collection consists largely of books I myself recommended on several occasions since last winter.  The students are preschoolers through second graders, so there are endless opportunities for waxing enthusiastic about my favorites.  Everything I ask for is given me, no questions asked.

Even the daunting task of processing and making shelf-ready hundreds of books has only cast a brief shadow on my delight.  As I prepare each volume for borrowing, I have an opportunity to acquaint (or reaquaint) myself with the treasures that will soon inhabit the shelves.  If this isn’t a librarian’s dream, I don’t know what is.

I’ll be sharing gems with you in the days and weeks to come.  Meanwhile, it’s time to recharge my batteries.  School starts tomorrow for some of my kids…

It’s August Already?

I’ve been caught unaware.  Just when I thought there was a lot of summer left, I started seeing signs that the season is about to change that have nothing to do with the weather or animal behavior.  Back-to-school commercials.  Advertisements for fall clothes.  I know merchandisers have to make a living, and people need to plan ahead, but it’s too early for me to acknowledge that summer is nearing its end.  School does not start in the Big Apple for another four weeks!  (My apologies to those living in places where this annual event is just around the corner.)

Yet, I’m preparing too.  I’ve already set up my class schedule for the coming academic year and am continuing my reading marathon to get as many of the recently arrived books completed as possible.  I’ll be working on lesson plans and activities in the weeks ahead.  And there is the library at my new school to organize, set up, and have ready to conduct business when the little children arrive.

When Labor Day has come and gone, I’ll be ready for the new school year.  But until then, I only want to enjoy what remains of this favorite season of mine…

Here are a few books to help youngsters (and the young at heart) enjoy summer even more.

Meet Deza.  The bright, lovable character from Christopher Paul Curtis’ wonderful Bud, Not Buddy is back.  She’s 12 years old, and knows life is not easy in Depression-era Gary, Indiana.  It might even be harder for Black people.  When Deza’s father loses his job and heads to Flint, Michigan, to find work, the Malones will do what they have to to survive and be reunited.  Powerful stuff.

Grandma Tillie is babysitting, and Sophie and Chloe know what that means.  When their parents leave, their grandma also disappears!  In her place arrives Tillie Vanilly, star of her own show, who entertains with juggling, jokes, and a dance through the house.  She’s followed by Chef Silly Tillie, who cooks up a storm, and Madame Frilly Tillie, a beauty expert with a knack for spicing up bath time.  There’s only one question: who will come to put the girls to bed?

Dogs are commonly thought of as protectors of sheep, but burros?  Yet, these animals, with an instinct to protect, are naturals for the job.  Read how Rena, a dog who was born a runt, and Roo, a burro, learn to work together as a sheep-herding team on a Wyoming ranch.  A fascinating true story.

 

The End of an Era

It feels that way. After several years of wondering about the future of the private school where I have worked for twenty years, I learned the answer today. While the school will continue, the Board of Directors has determined that the budget does not allow for the continued presence of a librarian on the faculty. Even though I reacted with equanimity, inside I am in turmoil. Even though I knew that my time here might be limited, I always thought I would be the one determining when I would say goodbye.

As I walked through the halls of the building I first entered in the fall of 1991, everything seemed different. How could things be the same when the building where I have come since my children were young (three are now married, two with children of their own) will, in a few months, no longer be my almost daily destination?

The class arriving in the library after I received the news, of course, knew nothing. The only difference was that I threw caution to the winds and allowed the kids to look at newly arrived books, without labeling or entering them into the record first. Better let children see and enjoy them now. With the school year winding down, and the future of the collections uncertain, who knows what will be in store for these treasures and the others already on the shelves?

I have always tried to keep the tone of this blog upbeat, so forgive me for deviating from the normal atmosphere. There is, there must be, a silver lining in this cloud. I must simply go out and find it.

It’s Completed!

After months of searching, evaluating, picking other librarians’ and educators’ brains, painful eliminating, and setting some aside “for future consideration,” they are complete–or as complete as they ever will be.  My annual book orders are now in the hands of the book vendor.  It only remains to be seen how this intense experience will bear fruit.

(An aside: I discovered what an efficient book vendor it is–within two weeks of sending off my first list, I arrived at work to discover several boxes with my name on them.  The timing could not have been more perfect, as their arrival coincided with the last day of school before vacation.  The second order, mailed on the final day before the break, might be waiting when I return.)

There are some gems that I am particularly excited about reading.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu: a contemporary fantasy that should have kids enthralled.

The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister by Linda Ravin Lodding: a little girl whose life is overfull of activities would like some time to be a kid–and play.  Another winner from Flashlight Press.

Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein: family members of the beloved poet, who passed away in 1999, put together this collection of his poems and drawings.

Fire from the Rock by Sharon M. Draper: this novel powerfully describes the experiences and feelings of one of the first Black students to integrate Little Rock’s Central High School in 1957.

The Ogre of Oglefort by Eva Ibbotson: another delightfully unconventional fairy tale by a master, all the more wonderful since it’s one of Eva Ibbotson’s last.

Sugar Changed the World by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos: the story of our fascination with sugar, and how human craving for the sweet stuff has changed lives and societies from early history to the present day.

Those Rebels, John & Tom by Barbara Kerley: a lively biography of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two men who were very different, but who had some very important things in common: their concern for the American colonies and their belief that they should be independent from England.

A joyous and meaningful Passover to all!

World Read Aloud Day 2012

Not only are we bibliophiles in the midst of Seussemania, today is World Read Aloud Day 2012!  What better way to begin the commemoration than to combine both, and read a book by the Doctor of Bookology to an eager group of 2nd graders.  The kids were so mesmerized by The Lorax that nobody even commented that they saw the recently released movie until I finished reading.  One student made a comment I was delighted to hear: she noticed the major differences between the motion picture and the Dr. Seuss masterpiece.  Her observation gave the teacher and me the perfect opportunity to point out the superiority of most books to their movie counterparts.  If only time had permitted, we could have had quite a discussion…

If you haven’t read to anyone yet, it’s never too late!  There’s always someone who would love hearing a story, poem, or anything else you care to share.  It doesn’t have to be today: any day can be Read Aloud Day!