The End of a Chapter

It was a move I’ve been contemplating for some time. Since the news became official last fall that the school which had been my professional home for more than 23 years was relocating (but no one knew where), my future there waxed uncertain. As the academic year progressed, and I reached the age at which I could receive Social Security retirement benefits, I (privately) made the decision to say farewell before summer arrived. Even though there was no confirmation, I learned that the new location might not have space for a library. Rather than discover at school year’s end that this was true–and as there was no library, there would be no need for a librarian–the wisdom of closing this chapter in my life became more apparent.

So, on a lovely spring day, I informed an administrator of my decision. If it was any consolation, as the school made preparations for the Big Move, my fears were realized. The library books, except those that we pulled for use by teachers in their classrooms, were to be put into long-term storage until such a time as more spacious accommodations might be found.

Am I sad? Definitely. Sad for what was and is no more. Sad that thousands of wonderful books will sit in boxes for an indeterminate span of time. Sad that this is how almost 24 years of being part of the school ends.

Yet it is true that time heals all wounds. While my days seem a bit empty now, I am already planning how to fill them. So even though this chapter (or, in the words of a dear friend and right-hand-lady, this book) is at an end, I am not one to dwell very long on a just-completed story. There is always another tale waiting to be read.

Bookmobile Librarian?

If someone were to ask me what the next step in my career would be, I might humorously (or wishfully) respond with one word: retirement! That was before I learned of an opening for a bookmobile librarian. The brainchild of a co-director of an organization that operates a number of daycare centers and other community services, the library on wheels makes the rounds of the neighborhood where I live.

While I juggled my current schedule to accommodate that of the bookmobile in anticipation of being welcomed on board (pun intended), I began to think of this rather unexpected turn of events. Naturally, one thing that came to mind was Judy Sierra’s delightfully zany masterpiece, Wild About Books. What happens when a librarian drives her bookmobile into the zoo is guaranteed to tickle anyone’s funny bone.

Seriously, it is my husband’s and my wish that, in the very near future, I find myself on the book bus. Our income, which was significantly reduced when my full-time job was downsized to one day a week (but my readers have heard this story already!), will benefit. Perhaps we will be able to move closer to our eventual retirement goal.

As for the chance of the bookmobile winding up at the zoo? It’s good I won’t be the person driving.

Bookmobile

Kids R Authors (and Illustrators)

Every November, my school library jumps on the Picture Book Month bandwagon. I highlight gems in this genre via bulletin board and displays. Classes visiting the library are introduced to a variety of picture books, and children hopefully leave my domain with a greater appreciation of this wonderful literary form. I enthusiastically share incomparable books such as Patti Lovell’s  Molly Lou Melon stories, the Other Side of the Story fractured fairy tales, and Snow by Uri Shulevitz.

However, this year I was not content to merely promote published works. Remembering the enthusiasm generated a previous school year when students were encouraged to write and illustrate their own picture books, this librarian decided to repeat the project. I envisioned it being similar to the earlier venture, in which the participants received a certificate and a prize.

When I approached our new principal (who doubles as a first grade teacher) with the idea, she waxed enthusiastic.  After a bit of brainstorming, this wonderful educator came up with the idea of a “publishing party” for all the authors and illustrators and their classmates. In short, the entire elementary school would celebrate. So, with our cook baking dozens of cupcakes, the date was set for the big event: January 6, 2014. Each grade would visit the library on that day for a publishing party.

The whole school. Coming to the library in one day. Before I had a chance to think about the possibility of really pulling this off, I got into action. Knowing that the authors and illustrators would like to take home a memento of the event, I designed and printed certificates to give each one. After marathon sessions of cutting them out, reading the picture books the children submitted, and planning the details of each party, it was time to celebrate.

The initial class was none other than our principal’s first grade group. The kids, no doubt encouraged by their teacher, were beyond enthusiastic. I read a few of their books, the children dug into the cupcakes, and–wonder of wonders–there was actually time for them to return and borrow library books. As the happy youngsters left the library, with authors and illustrators clutching their certificates, there was no time to congratulate myself. It was recess (with its onslaught of eager readers), and the second party would commence shortly afterwards.

To my delight, the next party was as successful as the first. And the next. However, before party #3 began, a fifth grader came into the library. I had not planned on her class having a party, as there was only fifth grade picture book, and her teacher had never brought her students to the library. But here was this girl, asking what time the class should come. There was one available time slot–immediately following the next gathering. Unsure whether the fifth graders would show, I began planning as soon as the happy fourth graders departed.

It was a good thing, for history was made: this teacher’s fifth grade class visited the library. With only one picture book to share, there was an opportunity to invite the rest of the kids to become authors and illustrators. I took advantage of the presence of this group in the library, and gave students library cards so they could borrow some fantastic books. I like to think this teacher was impressed by the visit, and that she will be back.

However, there was no opportunity to celebrate the success. There was one more party. This last but not least group of partygoers turned out to be the most boisterous. When their celebration came to an end, it hit me. I actually pulled it off. Five successful parties in six hours.

Now I can rest on my laurels. At least, until the next time I come up with an idea for a schoolwide project.

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. . .

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…

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.

 

A New Beginning

It’s like a dream.  A new school, headed by a principal with whom I worked for many years, has space for a library.  And they need a part-time librarian.  So who does the principal think of?  Yes, none other than little old me, who has been pondering the future now that my current position has been drastically cut.

But it gets better.  Last winter, this principal asked me to compile a list of 400 titles good for kindergarten through second grade–so the core collection is composed of books of my choosing!  And not only that, but the furnishings are being chosen, as much as possible, according to what I envision a young children’s library should be.

Yes, it will be a challenge, starting anew in a different school with different types of kids.  But the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for books and reading with a new group of youngsters excites me.  And little tykes are so receptive to listening to and reading great stories, and taking part in literary games and activities, my job might seem more like pleasure than work.  I can hardly wait.

Ray Bradbury, Booklover Extraordinaire

Ray Bradbury
1920-2012

We’ve lost another giant.  Ray Bradbury, science fiction writer extraordinaire, has passed away at the age of 91.  But I’m not doing him justice.  Even though sci-fi and futuristic writings were (and are) his hallmark, out of his pen flowed the heartwarming, semi-autobiographical Dandelion Wine, not to mention dramatic works, poetry, essays, television and movie scripts…

However, there is another side to the great writer that bibliophiles like myself appreciate most.  For Ray Bradbury was one of us.  (Anyone who has read Fahrenheit 451 knows this.)  He was an outspoken advocate of reading and libraries, and often protested the budget-induced cutbacks and closings many faced.  The best way I can think of to describe Mr. Bradbury’s stance is to let him speak for himself:

Without libraries what have we?  We have no past and no future.

You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture.  Just get people to stop reading them.

I spent three days a week for 10 years educating myself in the public library, and it’s better than college.  People should educate themselves – you can get a complete education for no money.  At the end of 10 years, I had read every book in the library and I’d written a thousand stories.

Teachers are to inspire.  Librarians are to fulfill.

I don’t try to describe the future.  I try to prevent it.

And one future Ray Bradbury wanted to prevent was one without books and the treasure-houses of libraries.  Now the torch has been passed to us.

If you have not yet had the experience of reading a Bradbury novel or story, now is a good time to begin.  Enjoy.

One more quote: If you enjoy living, it is not difficult to keep the sense of wonder.

Visit http://bookandagarden.com for reading gems to share with those you love.