Deep Thinking

No, not your patrons — you! Today I finally had 2 volunteers come into the library during the first hour so I could leave the library and take care of problems throughout the building. Yes, I do have a technician who is supposed to be handling all broken equipment, etc. With him being divided into 10 schools and having his priorities dictated, it doesn’t look good that he will be coming back to actually finish fixing things any time soon. He’s a great guy, it’s the politics of prioritizing. Volunteers enabled me to
** dash to the office to pick up the Oriental Trading company delivery for our bookfair
** slip into a teacher’s room with a spare USB mouse from my house so she could do A.R.
** run the gradekeeper.com codes to three teachers so they could enter grades on a Mac while they are waiting for the program to be installed on their PC’s
** deliver new board books to preschool vision blended classrooms and autistic classrooms
** collaborate with a new teacher
** welcome the new kindergarten teacher who just started today
** remind the kindergartners that their teacher will call me to come read to them right before dismissal if they behave
** deliver some preview books from Scholastic to my best readers and ask them to help me book talk
** deliver some books on Egypt to the art teachers before they left for their field trip with all 2nd-4th graders and teach the students quickly how to locate these when they return to the library
** comfort a teacher who had received some bad news about her family
** locate the school newspaper
** move 4 broken computers into the library and record their serial numbers on help tickets so the district delivery person will pick them up (won’t come unless I go and put them in my office)
** move out one iMac to a classroom so the teacher could continue to A.R> with her students
** walk a teacher through diagnostics when the A.R. and STAR program doesn’t work
** encourage two teachers to gather their ideas for grant writing later this week
** hand one teacher her Mary Kay order
** teach one teacher how to take the federally mandated survey and how to use the internet
** clear the photocopy jam for the custodians
** bring several groups of students down to the library for quick instruction and research
** reschedule and teach four classes of 4th grade students so they can complete the magazine scavenger hunt and check out these periodicals
** drink my coffee
** collect the P.T.A. fundraising forms

Hooray for volunteers. Some of those jobs could have been done by others, but my slipping in and out of rooms truly raises morale. Teachers share more, ask more, and expect more. Students increase their desire to come to the library. Administrators see me collaborating and helping teachers.

I love volunteers.

Dorothy Reed is the greatest library assistant. I especially appreciate this since she was hospitalized Tuesday and won’t return for at least 2 weeks. It is the beginning of school. I haven’t finished making student barcode cards, shelf sticks, and labels for the nonfiction section (which we entirely shifted before school started) Our bookfair arrives in 2 weeks and I haven’t arranged all the volunteers yet. We have had 331 people using the library computers this week and I was out sick one day, so that averages 110 people a day. We had nine classes come in and check out within 2.5 hours today. By the end of the day 14 classes had been in. Two I taught using a powerpoint intro to the library (they did all the clicking), another I booktalked, another was a quick story. I had a meeting with a community volunteer leader to discuss the need for our teachers to be prepared before the volunteer shows up at the door. I arranged technology repairs with the technician and discussed the behind the scenes work I’ll do on the yearbook to help out. We had to double-load three buses today and make sure that all siblings were placed on the same bus. I coordinated the little man who brings books in for teachers to purchase for fun. I fixed the copy machine three times. I dashed into four classrooms to check their ethernet cables so they could test using the S.T.A.R and A.R. programs. (which I stayed until 6:16 p.m. typing in on Monday night). I managed to put away two carts of nonfiction books and checked out a HUGE number. Now, I’m home for 30 minutes putting stickers on the library cards. I do so miss my assistant Dorothy. Get well soon!

In my customer service role at my part-time position in a famous retail store, my area is called THE SOLUTION CENTER? The theory is that I can solve all customer problems there - be they catalog orders, returns, fitting info, complaints, etc. In practice I solve a myriad of additional problems - Can you page my child? Do you know anyone who does alterations? Do you think this is my color and on and on. Many do not directly relate to the store’s mission but they do make the customer’s shopping experience more relaxed, enjoyable, PROLONGED, and happy.

So, how can my school library be “the solution center”? One, if I can solve it, I do it. If I can train them to solve it themselves, I train them. If it technically falls under someone else’s job description and I’m supposed to generate a help ticket, I make a copy of the ticket for the person in need so they see that I have done this. If I can’t solve it, but I can get them in touch with someone else who can do it, then I connect them. If I can help, I do so. If I am swamped and can’t help, I honestly tell them that but make sure that they know their next steps and options.

Emotionally. I apologize often even when it’s not my fault. I have learned how to say “I do apologize for your bad experience.” It doesn’t mean it’s my fault they had a bad experience, but it recognizes their emotions. I don’t WANT people to walk around unhappy. I am simply validating that they have feelings. I do thank people for letting me know about potential problems that can be fixed and make sure that they see their role in the solution. “Thank you for telling me the A.R. computer doesn’t show this test. You may have helped other people who would want to take this test and are frustrated. Now that I know, I can fix it.” I thank people for coming to see me. Why do we say “thank you for shopping at….. Do come back and see us again?” yet we don’t say that to parents, teachers, and students? “Thank you for using your library. It makes my day to see you. I’m glad we could help. I’m glad we were there for you to print out that paper you needed.”

How do you get sobbing kindergartners to stop wailing when they’re missing parents? First, send the teacher to the other side of the room because you are going to be silly. When he/she peeks, yell “Stop looking at our special time.” Lean in so you are whispering and it is a secret time. Introduce the book “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.” Explain that you (the librarian) will be the pigeon (and bus driver in a deep voice) while they must be in control and the boss here by telling the pigeon “NO!” each time he asks.
Kindergartners absolutely adore saying “NO” somewhere in school. They want to be in control. Through story devices, they learn appropriate ways and when to say NO. All tears dry up the first time someone chimes in with NO. When the story is over, show the class that there are yet two more books with pigeon in them. If they can be a wonderful class, they can come back later that week or even better…. the teacher can call and invite the librarian to visit their classroom for storytime.
Don’t we all wish we had activities where we could practice saying “NO!” more often?

With 4 teenage boys in the house, it seems my intelligence is decreasing. At least according to recent reports. If anyone can tell me at what age I will regain my previous degree of intelligence, please do so! I’d hate to stay this uninformed all my life.

Take #1 son. Last week Tuesday he came to me at 11:30 to remind me of his birthday on Friday. He did say, “You did remember my birthday, didn’t you?” As if any mother who had that much difficulty for 9.75 months (he was 3 weeks late), can EVER forget?! Then he said, “Since I turn 17 on Friday, will you take me in to the recruiters on Saturday so I can sign up for the army?” Army, infantry, Ranger’s Program, first in. Oo-rah. “No! I will not. I have to host a state-wide library meeting,” I informed him. Every day since then I have remained remarkably busy. His campaign for signing is increasing. One day it’s a reminder that he intends to do army in the morning, college in the afternoon. Another day it’s a reminder that after so many years he’ll receive free lasik eye surgery. I keep staring at him wondering whatever happened to college. He took a college dual enrollment class last year as a junior. I’m paying money for him to do it again this fall. Am I crazy in wanting him to keep all his avenues open instead of focusing only on one route?

This week I went against the official recommendations again. I think it’s more important for students to have books than it is to wait for the “pure and perfect” student database of records. With the difficulties we have every single year and every upgrade with getting our student program to work with the library program, I believe it is harmful to our students to wait to circulate. There is never an estimated time frame for fixing this. Last year we went months without correlations between students and their homerooms so we couldn’t print over dues. Yes, I have to write down some names - at the most 3 per class - during checkout but by simply telling them that they are priviledged to come in and check out early, they appreciate it far more. I believe I’m receiving deposits in the Emotional Bank Account right now. Teachers see me as a team player and willing to go the extra mile to help their classes. My principal is adamant that everyone (staff included) should be reading during D.E.A.R. time and that they need books. He supports me in my misbehavior.

While discussing this with hubby dear, he mentioned that I might like to invoke the pent up demand theory of economics next year and wait one week before checking out books. He tells me this theory means that they will emotionally be so frustrated at having to wait that this will all be pentup and their demand for books will be higher and stay higher. I just scoffed at this idea. My students had to wait 2 days (actually 1.5) and if you could have seen the enthusiasm of the first 4th graders to come in and check out, you would have been sure I was offering prizes. I guess I am. Reading is a treasured activity at our school and the students know that this is “their library.” Woe to administrators that try to slow us down.

I usually begin the year reading Officer Buckle and Gloria to first graders. Great chance to talk about safety, award winning books, library rules, etc. This year they all get to admire the 3 inch bruise on my arm from my fall last week. I didn’t want to show them any of the other bruises! I had dashed in to the library for just 20 minutes when I noticed one piece of vinery had fallen from the ceiling near the window. I had left the ladder there, but someone had moved it, so rather than hunt it down, I simply slid the table closer and hopped up. While adjusting that, I notice one a little further was loose also and I stretched to fix it. …. Yes, the table tipped and catapulted me towards the window. I quickly realized that I didn’t want to go through the window so I tried me best Spiderman imitation trying to cling to concrete blocks. It seems that is a superpower that I haven’t inherited, so I ended up dropping down and slamming into the concrete ledge before landing on my back with one leg caught in the air and the other twisted under. Right after me, my cell phone landed right beside me. I lay on the ground thinking to myself:
…I hope no one was looking out the courtyard windows and saw that.
…I hope my legs aren’t broken because I’m supposed to drive over to get my husband lunch.
…Thank goodness the phone is here so I can call for help.
…I wonder if I lay here long enough and anyone did see it, they’ll think they were imagining things.

When I did finally get up, I was able to find and slide back on my feet my high heeled sandals and hobble out the door. I had deep scratches from the concrete on one arm and big bruises on the other. I ended up trying to elevate and ice my leg for 3 days, but nothing was broken! Yippee! What a great start to the year! I believe many teachers have warned their students about proper safety and suggested that they just look at my arm to see what can happen when they don’t do what they are supposed to do.

Imagine two classes being in the library for the first time this school year during our first fire drill. One is a fourth grade class with an experienced teacher. Another is a kindergarten class with a fairly new teacher. The kdg’s are touring looking for their runaway Gingerbread cookies when the principal announces we will have a “practice fire drill.” He explains there will be a loud noise and they must listen to their teacher’s directions.

I immediately translate what’s going to happen and who’s going to do what. Fourth graders are to line up at the far door with their teacher leading them out. They will be the leaders and model what to do during a drill. Kdg’s will follow them without running or talking. I will follow so I can close all the doors.

Fourth graders main concern: Do we have to leave behind our library books that we just checked out? No, I reassure them. If they are already in your hands, I expect you to simply go quickly to the door. Simple answer. Fire drill begins. Kdgs immediately throw their hands over their hears and hunker down. Kdg teacher and I get them to take down their hands so they can listen for directions and file out the door behind the 4th graders.

After the drill is over, the principal tells me this was the most remarkable drill ever. Here came all these fourth graders down the hallway still reading their library books during a fire drill. When I told him about their question, he said, “I wouldn’t want them to leave their books behind. I’d want them to grab 2 or 3 more on their way out.” What a great school to work in. I love my principal’s attitude.

Last week teachers went back to work. Hah! Actually I should say that last week teachers were actually paid for the days they continued to work as they readied for the school year. I spent many extra hours at school preparing my library, helping teachers, listening, and UNLOCKING the door on the weekends. It seems having a key to the building helps build more ties with the faculty. This can be both good and bad. I updated my CPR training with AED, epi pens and more so I could be the sole person certified by the American Heart Association in my building. I attended faculty meetings and divisional meetings. I modeled putting a positive spin on many “possibly negative” situations with teachers.

Still, what made me actually happy to be back in school was the first day when the students came. Their enthusiasm was the shot in the arm I needed. It has continued to build all week. More and more students are thrilled with checking out books as they gradually all come to the library. Those who haven’t come, catch me in the hall to say they can’t wait. Some have slipped in to see their teachers aren’t bringing them until Monday and act as if they are starving.

Tonight we had Open House. Since most parents walked their children in to meet the teachers just 3 days ago, we didn’t have the 100% turnout that we did last year when we also held simultaneously the Chili Supper/BookFair/Open House. Still, I was so touched at the number of parents that came into the library. I love how they come in. Some are literally being drug in by their children. Some take one step in the door and pause as if they can take it all in. Other stride in to the middle and stand arms akimbo. Tonight everyone took an extra step in to check out our rain forest for the bookfair (arriving in 3 weeks) and see how it had developed. Since I live with four teen boys, my rainforest includes bugs, snakes, pretend deadly vines, swinging battery-operated birds, etc. There are some pretty butterflies, flowers, and vines, but the good stuff is the nasty stuff. Lots of parents volunteered. YES!

One new-to-our-school parent came in to tell me how thrilled her daughter was with the two big chapter books she brought home. Another parent questioned whether the Goosebumps book her second grader brought in was appropriate. I was so elated to tell her that my principal supported me in allowing students to choose any book they wanted this year. Teachers are not allowed to forbid students from reading books the teachers believe are too hard nor too easy to read. They can guide choices, but this is the year of free choice for at least one of every two books taken at a time.

I explained to the mother how her daughter chose the Goosebump book because many in her class had done so, also. We were able to talk about peer pressure and development of self-awareness in book selection. We talked about the importance of reading together at home and discussing books. I encouraged the mother to come by some time to also choose a book to read together at home. And, I reassured her that her daughter’s choice on Monday will be far different than her first choice today. 15 years of experience lends me a little credence. We were even able to laugh at the trend of students to walk around carrying the heaviest book, largest book, and highest AR points book they could find. Those same students race back to get a more appropriate choice as soon as their friends are not with them.

I was even able to reassure two Kdg and 1st grade parents that they didn’t have to read every word of the huge nonfiction book that came home. Instead, they could open dialogue and ask what about that book intrigued their child the most (Why did you choose this one?) and set boundaries for reading that night (Let’s choose one chapter to read tonight). We talked about the importance of reading the captions under pictures when a child may have chosen the book simply for one or two pictures. This is also reading and vitally important. Think about how you read magazines. Since our students can come to the library every single day (starting Monday), they can quickly learn how to make better choices and their parents can relax. I love parents of Kdg and 1st graders.

This is the kind of medicine I like to take.