Last week in this space Iwrote about two uncomfortable experiences I had while visiting libraries.But I’ve presented in dozens of school and public libraries over the last sixmonths, and the vast majority of those visits have been wonderful. So this weekI’d like to talk about the value of libraries. I’ll illustrate my point with astory about a typical library visit.
On December 9th I spent the day with Sherry Gick atRossville Middle/High School. The library wasn’t the biggest one I’d seen, orthe newest, or the fanciest. If anything, it looked a little tired. Until thestudents came in, that is. I’ve never seen a group of teens more excited aboutreading, their library, or their librarian.
The book discussions over lunch were non-stop and so variedas to be dizzying. We didn’t just talk about my book, ASHFALL—we coveredCashore, Collins, Shusterman and a host of paranormal romance authors I haven’tread. I finally wolfed my cold slice of pizza during the passing period afterlunch.
This is what a great library does: It develops passionatereaders. How does Mrs. Gick achieve this? Even in my brief time there, Inoticed a few things. First, the library is laid out like a bookstore. Fictionis separated by genre—science fiction, paranormal romance, realistic fiction,etc. Big, inviting signs hang over each section. The books all have theiroriginal covers, and some of them are faced out. There are paperbacks availablefor those who prefer them. And the first thing you see as you walk in isn’t arow of computers; it’s a book display on the counter of the library desk. (Thecomputers are around the corner to your right.)
But even more important than the physical layout of thelibrary is its emotional tone. The first question students hear isn’t, “Do youhave a pass?” it’s something more like, “How are you doing today, Todd?” Onegirl told me she volunteered to work in the library during 7thperiod because it helped her wind down after a stressful day of classes. Thatshe loved the library because it felt “safe”—her word, not mine. Anotherstudent told me about coming to Mrs. Gick for assistance with a disturbing andthorny issue with another teacher, and how Mrs. Gick had helped her resolve it.These teens have so much trust in their library and librarian that they feelcomfortable asking anything. During our discussion of ASHFALL, one studentwanted to know about my use of the term “spooning”—did that mean Alex and Darlawere having sex? As I listened to the question, I expected raucous laughter andteasing. Instead, her question was met with nods and some embarrassed glances.What followed was a thoughtful discussion about the definition of spooning andthe role of sex in ASHFALL—why it wouldn’t have been appropriate for Alex andDarla to have sex in the scene under discussion, and whether it was appropriateat all.
By all measures—books circulated, computers used, andclasses taught—Mrs. Gick’s library and thousands like it are excelling. Butboth school and public libraries across the country are facing devastatingbudget cuts. Between 2000 and 2008, the per-student funding available forschool library materials fell31% in the U.S. It’s not that we lack money for education. Between 2002 and2008 we increased spending on standardized testing by 160%. Overall educationspending increased21% between 2000 and 2005. Why do we starve libraries while throwing bushelbaskets of money at testing companies like McGraw-Hill? The short answer isthat McGraw-Hill has better lobbyists than the American Library Association.(Which industry do you think spent more on lobbying in 2011—defense oreducation? If you guessed defense, you’rewrong.)
Library funding is being cut despite a long and rich history ofstudies linking school libraries to student achievement. But the mostimportant way libraries matter isn’t measurable in studies. It’s the thingslibrarians like Mrs. Gick do—creating passionate readers and providing studentsa safe place to reflect and learn.
Let’s spend more time and money on whatworks—reading, libraries, and librarians—and reduce the amount of time andmoney wasted on standardized tests. Every student deserves a library like Mrs.Gick’s.
p.s. If you’re interested in having a day of presentations atyour school or library like the one I did at Mrs. Gick’s school, I’m offeringthem at no charge in 2012 and for a nominal fee in 2013. There’s more information here.
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| Mrs. Gick and me |
