BORROW IT, READ IT, LOVE IT!

Fostering a reading culture in our learning commons is a fundamental goal of our entire staff. I have primarily focused on developing collaborative programming and technology exposure for our first year of transition from a basic, book-exchange style library to a learning commons. Expanding the vision of what ‘reading’ can be is a challenge which crosses all of these goals. Students are now using iPads and laptops to read for research purposes as well as reading skill development. They are also accessing our recently expanded graphic novel section.
In “Five ways to Step up your Advocacy Game”, Bates shares some excellent ideas which I have been working towards implementing in our learning commons:
• “Change the library environment
• Harness the power of social media
• Send out monthly newsletter
• Harness new and interesting ways to share the successes
• Nothing is more loud and clear than your approach.” (Bates, 2017)
Here are a few steps that we have taken:
     o The learning commons desperately needed a face-lift, so a learning commons leadership team (CLA, 2014) was struck, and we developed a basic action plan. This has resulted in administration and district staff agreeing to improve flooring and shelving issues. Traffic changes improved the welcoming feel of the learning commons. Faded posters were replaced by simple quotes from children’s literature.
     o A monthly report is given at teacher meetings, and a newsletter is currently being developed by a Grade Seven class.
     o In order to entice participation in our book fairs this year, I used social media to run contests with books as prizes. (See my entry for the pet selfie contest.)

     o Monthly rewards have been started for top clients, cross-referenced with Accelerated Reading participation. These successes were shared in recognition assemblies.
     o Finally, our atmosphere has been improved with calm lighting, plants, blue swags over skylights, quiet music, and wide open doors.
“Children may learn to read in a classroom, but they learn to love reading in a library media center. Free, voluntary reading is the foundation of language education.” (Krashen, 1993.) Students have access to the learning commons for a large portion of the day, and are encouraged to choose books of their own interest first. Teachers help students choose accelerated reading books at their current reading level as well, in order to build confidence and fluency.
“The first marketing method is word of mouth. The librarian has to create an atmosphere of acceptance and fun in the library. Students need to feel accepted no matter their academic level and they need to feel that the library is a fun place to be. Once students start talking about the positive experiences they have in the library, reluctant students will utilize the library as well.” (Burkman, 2004) Hoping to spark interest in a variety of materials or subject areas, student helpers assist with the creation of small seasonal or thematic displays. Series sets, and author collections have been brought to a central location in order to help students find what interests them more easily. Kinex and Lego building kits are available for use in the learning commons during inclement weather. Sphero’s have also been introduced in a mini-lesson format.

 A culture of reading continues to grow in our re-styled learning commons. Increased use by staff and students is a bonus! Surely, if you borrow it, and read it, you will come to love it!!!

RESOURCES CITED:

• Krashen, Stephen. The Power of Reading; Libraries Unlimited (1993) 
• Burkman, A.A practical approach to marketing the school library. Library Media Connection, 23(3), 42-43.) (2004).
• Bates, Five Ways to Step up Your Advocacy Game, (2017), retrieved from: http://naomibates.blogspot.ca/2017/09/five-ways-to-step-up-your-adovcacy-game.html
• Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. CLA Voices for School Libraries Network and CLA School Libraries Advisory Committee, p. 22. (2014). 
• Slogan adapted from Ebay, “Buy it. Sell it. Love it.” 
• Photo credit: Pixabay, copyright free.