Been trying to think of what to say about our closed libraries, while trying to not think about it bc it’s too sad. Not using the space that’s like a home for myself & my students, that I work so hard to make welcoming for all, in the same way would have been bad enough. 1/7

But now, tons of books that I know the kids will love will not get to be read, including new ones I bought over the summer, teachers won’t have the resources they need for their programs, or the tech support, partnering, resource sharing, and more that libraries provide. 2/7

There are so many special events that bring the community together that could have been modified but will now either be missing or disjointed (if classes choose to run them) like @ForestofReading @ireadcanadian @scholasticCDA book fairs, contests to celebrate reading, etc. 3/7

School libraries are essential to show students the value of story; the value that their story and others’ stories bring to the world and are places of acceptance, creation, collaboration, imagination, and more. They are refuges for everyone and a place to belong. 4/7

It’s devastating to not share these stories & foster a love of reading in the library; to not gush over books with kids; to not watch the excitement when new books arrive & requests for titles are fulfilled. Books are a lifeline for some & closed libraries take that away. 5/7

Lack of funding has resulted in an #UnsafeSeptember for so many reasons...lack of distancing, confusion, collapsed classes resulting in large numbers, etc. and now no libraries for students to learn, connect, and grow. 6/7

What’s that saying...”you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.” The impact of closed libraries is going to be felt. Those boards still with TL roles are very lucky. Looking forward to coming back bigger & stronger than ever before. #onted 7/7