Most adults today would remember their school library as a place
they went to, once a week for the “Library period”. Some eagerly waited for
this period while others pretended to choose a book, issued it in their name,
kept the book for over a week and returned it without reading. Most often it
was a room somewhere secluded far away from the hustle and bustle of the school
- a seemingly mysterious place that housed more mysteries than the Enid Blyton
books it housed.
What a far cry from the present day library! Today the
library in most progressive schools is a thriving ‘organism' by itself.
Well-lit, large and airy, the library is not just a storehouse of books but a
complete information centre on its own. Several schools have not just one
library but maybe even three - a reading room for pre-school, a primary school
library and one for high school. Books - both texts and reference - neatly
catalogued and classified in well-designated areas make the library more
friendly and accessible. Books according to the choice of the reader and within
the budget of the school are available in more than one copy. Fiction books are
arranged class-wise with a separate rack reserved for the staff. I have always
loved libraries, and even today try and visit it at least once a day. The
latest arrivals too are prominently placed so as to catch the visitors'
attention.
Libraries today have become bustling information centers.
What with Wi-Fi availability one wonders whether it is a school library. But, I
must state that more than the books that are read, the young student makes a
beeline for the technology centre and accesses his reading material online. But
to get back to the library, librarians are doing their best to attract young
readers and develop in them a love for reading. Some strategies are:
1: Organising book fairs and exhibitions. Invite authors to come and read out
excerpts from their books. Maybe even autograph their books.
2: Have book review
contests and give away the latest book as a prize
3: Let students meet say once a
fortnight and discuss their favourite books
4: Have a story writing competition
with a creative writing workshop prior to the event.
5: Constantly be in touch with the pupils, telling them all
about the latest arrivals and ask them for feedback.
6: Get parents involved.
Permit them to use the library if they wish. This will create a sense of
belonging and partnership
7: Organise Treasure Hunts using book titles as clues.
Have a quiz, What's the Good word, Dictionary and Pictionary Challenge, and so
on A word of caution or advice or whatever you will to the Librarians - “you
are the keeper of the keys of the cupboard ” as it were, of the pupils reading
treasure. Please unlock this world of magic and excitement to your students; if
being a librarian is just a job to you, you may just as well not do it.
Source: DNA-8th May,2017
