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This is my first year working as a school librarian. I am consistently surprised to learn what students actually need vs. what I thought they would when I began. And I’m committed to filling that need, whether it’s traditionally seen as a librarian’s responsibility or not. (1/8)
I work with middle schoolers, and I know I’m not alone when I say that they were my most awkward, lowest-point years. (As someone who pursued librarianship, this surprises no one.) I was a high achiever, a perfectionist, and only found peace of mind in creative pursuits. (2/8)
Now I watch our students come to the library weary, or stressed. As a result, I’ve become pretty unconventional. Every class visit incorporates designated time for students to play games, try something from the makerspace, or work on homework before we settle into reading. (3/8)
Oftentimes (certainly not always!) this is all they need to focus on their reading and actually make some progress. And it’s not about force, it’s about choice. If they can’t get into it, the expectation is that they communicate that so we can find something enjoyable! (4/8)
Students, outside of class, are frequently sent to work in the library (for a variety of reasons). When they complete their assigned work, I allow them freedom--including phone use. I have seen students so relaxed that they fall asleep… and I don’t wake them. (5/8)
I enjoy instruction, but I try to find ways to incorporate humor and play in order to give our students an opportunity to laugh (usually at my expense). I tried reading aloud for classes, and was shocked by their attentiveness. It’s easy to forget they’re kids. (6/8)
I have internalized--because the library has become a place for students to unwind--guilt that I do not have to take on the role of disciplinarian often. I do not grade our students. I am not responsible for a curriculum beyond the goals I have made for our own library. (7/8)
What I’ve realized is that their library time has become a valuable kind of recess, which we take for granted after elementary school. I’m still learning and constantly experimenting, but we’re working, full of heart, at @library_tms to give our students some solace. (8/8)
Thanks for the positive feedback! I love this community. 
Keep fighting the good fight!
Keep fighting the good fight!
