Is something missing in the book?

[Patty McClune]

I was disappointed that Kelly's "solid ideas for halting the decline of reading" don’t involve school or public libraries. Obviously the economic climate in California is somewhat to blame for the shortsightedness, but since the book is meant to impact others beyond that state’s borders it would have been prudent to include references to the positive impact that can be made by a well-stocked school library, and by collaboration between librarians and teachers who work together to encourage literacy. Those who truly believe “what they [students] read in schools is important; what they read the rest of their lives is more important” must set their students up for future success. I’m all for teachers sharing great books, especially titles that they’ve personally enjoyed. Of course librarians can also book talk titles and generate interest, and when teachers and librarians work together…wow, we can really make an impact on students! Kelly's strict focus on classroom collections strikes me as limiting. I think it’s critical for students to become familiar and comfortable with the culture of libraries so they can take ownership of their book selection in and out of school. Sort of the same idea as if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish he can feed himself for life. School libraries can be an enjoyable, non-threatening place for students to learn the culture of libraries, how they work and what they have to offer. Lifelong readers need to be comfortable in a free public library, especially in communities with a dearth of book stores. Librarians can help so much with adolescent literacy. Even though Kelly references numerous articles from library publications, I feel as though the text of Readicide marginalizes the positive impact of school libraries.

[Lori Jordan]

Our school library is also frequently closed for testing or meetings, sometimes for 3 or 4 days at a time and 2 weeks during AP testing time. It also is only open for 20-30 minutes before school and only 10-15 minutes after school. The kids frequently do not feel welcomed in the library either. The tables are far away from the fiction section (which is really very small and out of date for a large school like ours), there are no magazines for them to peruse if they don't feel like reading a novel, they are not allowed to listen to their iPods when they're in there working, and they are often fussed at when they're in there. The library aide they all love has been cut due to the budget. The groans that surround me when I tell them we're going to the library for something make me cringe. The kids will run in there, quickly, to log onto a computer to print something up, but that's about it for most of them--even the readers.

[Teresa]

I know that I rely on my librarian (well, make that past tense since her position has been cut and now we'll have a library proctor I guess) to help give my kids ideas on what would be interesting reading for them. I can't stand reading tween books, and anything that is strictly popular fiction, so I can't really advise them on that front, so her presence is/was important.
The only thing that irks me a bit, is her predilection to somewhat avoid recommending literature titles in favor of popular fictions titles. I agree that yes, some struggling readers do need that initial hook to get them to read, but more advanced readers still need the brain nourishment that literature can offer.

[Carla Watts]

Libraries are great and if I could I would live surrounded by books, wait I do, in my classroom. Not all schools have librarians now. We had one when I started teaching here but the position was cut. Also the public library closest to our school only allows people living in a certain geographic area to check out books as they pay for the library with their taxes. Readers from other areas can use the library but can only check out materials if they bring in their property tax records yearly and pay a fee based on that. I personally pay over $80.00 per year to use the library, so I can get books for my kids. However, many of my students' families cannot affort this or are too busy to take the time to go to the library after finding the proper documentation. As a teacher, I feel I have to fill in the gap with my classroom library. I see the value every day of bringing the books to the kids, although I wish we all had school libraries and librarians like you.

[Teresa]

You pay $80 per year to use the library?!!! I just can't believe this! I guess I take my library for granted that's for sure.

[Kelly Gallagher]

For the record, I think librarians are heroic, especially in the face of all the issues I discuss in Readicide. It was not my intention to sell libraries short. I take my students to the school library as well, and I tell them this is the most important building on campus.

I think what is so effective about my classroom library, however, is that it provides DAILY access to text. Students are surrounded by good books at all times. As good as my school library is, it is not realistic that I can take my students there daily (or weekly). It has been my experience that there is a power that comes from being immersed in a daily book flood--- a different vibe or feel than walking my students to the library. Being surrounded by books every day also reminds students how much their teacher (me) values reading. In building readers, environment is important.

Of course, Patty is right---the best approach to turning kids on to reading is to surround them with interesting books in classrooms AND having them visit the library regularly. My classroom library will not travel with them after they leave me. I am hoping my classroom library becomes a tool that helps them to establish a lifelong library habit.

[Gayle K. Hobbs]

Isn't it riot when a kid enters the school library with a look on his face that says..."Will the walls fall in if I enter this sanctuary?" I always do something funny like pretend to hold the walls up with my hands. I love the libraries in all their different styles.

[Marita Thomson]

Very interesting topic, Patty. The responses show just how hard it is to provide good access to a wide range of reading material in some schools. I'm also a teacher librarian in a year 7 to 12 boy's school.

A few years ago I did an action research project in my then school where we provided high interest class libraries to some year seven classrooms, via their homeroom classes. The students moved around for subjects so security of the books in the class was an issue. The major finding was just how important it is to bring students often to the library to take advantage of the big and varied collection there, as opposed to what can be kept in a class library (under the conditions mentioned).

But, of course you have to have an accessible library and knowledgeable staff who are happy to see you. Teresa was fortunate to have a librarian who took the time to read young adult books (as I do almost exclusively) but I wonder about the criticism of recommending popular titles. If you haven't read them how do you know their value? There are lots of terrific authors writing for young people, and even the trashier ones can be great fun. And fun to share your reactions with the kids. (I'm not much of a Twilight fan but read enough of the first book to have a chat with our boys who are loving the series, and argue the toss with those who think they are girl books.) Lots of adults happily read nothing else. As their teacher you could no doubt recommend literature for those you felt needed greater challenge. Anyway, sorry you lost her. It sounded like a good partnership.

I am still getting through Readicide and finding it very valuable from the point of view of a teacher librarian as well as for the English teacher in me.

[RHE]

Your comments have triggered an idea.

Our library is frequently closed for testing, and I have trouble with struggling readers actually reading. In the section on the Book Flood, Kelly mentions how he got students to read a particular book. My adaptation is to get our mobile checkout desk to come to my room with 20 or 30 books, and let the librarian read the first page or two of several books, and then check them out on the spot.

Thanks for triggering my cognitive processes!!!