As we take a break before posting more workshops from the MLA/DLA Conference, we wanted to congratulate recipients of honors that represent the best of librarianship in 2023:
(Since we have the program pictured below – we will let you take it in without repeating what honors these recipients are receiving!) (Also check out the bottom of this page! -(https://dla.lib.de.us/divisions/pld/pld-showcase-showdown/)
Community Partnership Award – Sylvester “Syl” Woolford (Thank you Christina Celona for introducing this award!)
Helen H. Bennet Scholarship – Helen H. Bennett was Supervisor of School Libraries in the Delaware Department of Public Instruction. Mrs. Bennett was dedicated to the development and advancement of school library services and school librarians. She established a scholarship endowment and left her estate to the Delaware Library Association to support the training of professional librarians.
The Grace Estelle Wheeless Scholarship – Grace Estelle Wheeless was a former president of the Delaware Library Association. The Grace Estelle Wheeless Scholarship was established in her honor, “…to aid Delaware students in library schools, or those who have completed college study but need assistance in earning their Master’s Degree.”
Rev. Dr. Howard G. Backus and Director Gail BruceSylvester “Syl” WoolfordCambridge Hyatt – MLA/DLA ConferenceDLA President Rachel Culver and incoming President Anne Hiller-ClarkRev. Dr. Howard G. Backus, Susan Elizabeth Cordle, and Gail Bruce celebrating Laurel Public Library!Updates from Dr. Norman, DE State Librarian and commemorating Senator LonghurstRev. Dr. Howard G. Bruce honoring Laurel Public Library’s recognition.Sylvester “Syl” WoolfordDLA President Rachel Culver and Susan Elizabeth Cordle making all run smoothly.Elizabeth Miller, from Rehoboth Beach Public Library introducing Rosie Mujica.John Chrastka from EveryLibrary.org and updates of Librarian Climates
Andrew Russell – Explained the production and process of audiobook creation.
The Readers’ Advisory Interest Group, in collaboration with the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, will: (1) illustrate the importance of audiobooks in libraries;
(2) demonstrate how libraries may become more aware of the services provided by the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled; and
(3) distinguish between various appeal factors in audiobooks for better readers’ advisory interactions and conversations with patrons.
The panel of experts and research presented was SUPERB – and from the beginning, the difference between text to text speech technologies (not human voice) versus audiobooks was established. Also, the point was made that there exists no single term for all spoken recordings. And yet, one of the biggest myths is that “listening” to a book is not reading. I LOVED the fact that when you consider the point of view of someone that does not have vision to physically read a book visually as another does, this point becomes “clearer” in principle.
In fact, some of the benefits of audiobooks through science tests to show the reduction of pain and anxiety despite that many have considered audiobooks not reading, or inferior to print and that this form cannot substitute print. Some consider an audio book “cheating” when it comes to reading. 100% false.
In reality, there is no difference to listening compared to reading a book. It was pointed out there is bias in literature about how well people read AND what people read. An important fact is that when you consider audio reading 2nd rate, then you also consider the person taking part in audio reading second rate, and that is not the case when you look at the benefits of audio reading and their impact on comparable comprehension.
Looking in history, there has been privilege associated with the ability to consume literature base don geographic, language, and literary considerations. Combined with the Western love of literature, it is easy to see how much print is romanticized and valued above all other forms.
It was pointed out that when we consider books we consider:
pleasure of characters
setting
dialogue
drama
an impulse to what happens next
The strength of an audiobook can bring the above to life, as well as a level of intensity a print book cannot reach. The element of sound brings new meaning to setting, conflict, and so much more. With audiobooks also being an issue of diversity of inclusion, and 43 million adults in the U.S. considered at the low literary level, (see this study in 2020 showing levels at 54% being at a 6th grade level), the power of audio books to:
provide an education mechanism, appeal to different sensory modalities, not to isolate readers, and intensify reader’s surroundings is very much real.
The book Lanny is a perfect example of how difficult it might be for readers to process the order of reading in print, differentiating the tones of different dialogue as is indicated to the advanced reader though italics and other physical cues, and with the audiobook, many of this is differentiated to the audio listener and is able to present this to the listener, where in print a reader could easily struggle.
When considering children and audiobooks the following characteristics play a vital role when it comes to reading: promoting family literacy, the ability to test driving another genre that might not be as interesting diving into a book / print, promoting personal growth of a read, literary techniques exemplified such as in the book Ready, Player One, and the ability to connect with new authors in a different way than others do. All of these are additions and bonuses to promoting literacy, the same as any print book would.
Why are audio books important? The ability to help language learners, assist individuals with a special need, the ability to draw in new readers, and the ability to adjust varying speeds to appeal to the abilities of readers are all additional, spectacular benefits of audiobooks.
Questions regarding which audiobooks are best for ESL learners also can be found in several places (podcasts too!)
It was interesting to hear from Andrew Russell the technical process that goes into creating an audiobook (and the length of time needed to create a quality audiobook is more understood when you dive into the meticulous process of doing so).
PLEASE check the bottom for some amazing studies and the works that help to support so much knowledge about audiobooks and their benefits.
I did like that limitations were presented such as those of pacing, audiobooks sometimes being a difficult entry point for some people with learning disabilities, and the voice of the reader may impose some difficulties for the listener.
It was AWESOME that a reader’s advisory was listed and that this was emphasized:
Audiobooks are NOT simply recreation, they ARE reading. This is reading, just like all forms of reading that empower all readers. The important point made, listening patrons might not be looking for read-a-likes as you do in print, but looking for “feel-a-likes” as audio taps into a new sensory of realization for readers and yes, readers, not just listeners!
The one thing to consider is the following awards given to audio books and with this many Awards, it is impossible to deny the power and impact of audiobooks on readers!:
(Disclaimer, before this session which was at 9:30 AM on Thursday, we had our DLA Executive Breakfast and reporting meeting – I will definitely being sharing that as soon as I put a few final detailed touches on that post!)
Photos Courtesy of Tom Gavin.
The session I attended, Let’s Talk About Stuff, Thursday was a perfect blend of sharing the latest going-ons among public and school libraries. Like what?
Then Frederick County Public Libraries talked about utilizing Life Sized Jenga in communities when visiting and also displays. How they began to experiment with attaching photos of library staff under books that were being reviewed to resemble a book store feel and personable review of books. In that vein the conversation was brought up about books that are taken off after being “new” were converted into other spaces on the library to make other types of displays, as those “new” books come off displays for “new” books.
Again, I thought of the plan I had to assign a student their own shelf to help, throughout the year – to come up with new ideas to promote, weed, and familiarize people with the books on those shelves, to give new perspectives to shelves of books in the library. I like this idea alot as I think many different ways would be thought of to have shelves, and what is on them represented in different ways.
It was mentioned that Library IQ was utilized to help generate stats for the libraries, and the fact that libraries were providing lunches for individuals so that this also brings patrons into the library and is a way to connect them with summer reading programs and getting them into this early before summer starts.
Another mention was the need for hot-spots to keep students connected over the summer, and I mentioned how some rural areas, and even in towns in DE, hot spots do not help and how frustrating that is. I brought up the various programs that Delaware has regarding the consortium schools currently and how public /school libraries can connect because of that. Additionally, we through out the idea of how to involve students more – and I asked how other libraries reach out to students and connect their public libraries to the school libraries.
Several ideas that people wanted to do or who already do, was to put on the idea of library lock-ins for promoting the library, events, and resources/ games for a chance to advertise the libraries services to youth, also involving home-schooled students in those events.
Going back to the issue of helping student connect, one library mentioned having routers to check out in place of hot spots, and I wondered if that might make a difference in connectivity at all if hot spots cannot help. One attendee mentioned his library has the issue of hotspots either disappearing and not being brought back, or a reset button being used that lifts all the restrictions for patrons (mainly younger ones) then having to be reprogrammed when coming back. Both of these were reasons that partucular library was moving towards not lending them anymore due to the negatives and time tied to them being greater than the benefits. Some attendees were able to offer some possible solutions to that issue as well, so the back and forth ideas, problems, and talk was ideal for this workshop.
Some of the libraries work with Bibliocommons and I can see how this connects all libraries together in the public library realm. Additionally, some libraries discussed a space they designated a Discovery Layer area just for Tween/tens etc that felt as if that was their space at their public library that help younger patrons be more at ease and likely to be part of other events at their public library.
A suggestion also give to me for making a tighter connection to students who can’t always travel to their public library was an idea called Battle of the Books. I didn’t know this was a THING, but I am intrigued – The competition possibility of this is interesting and a great project to promote literacy, love that! I am intrigued by the book lists and chance to delve into new books I never discovered before. Might be a project to get into 🙂
Another great suggestion was just getting students to keep records of a booklist, 1000 total in a year and as they make it higher they get object to mark their progress on a visual like a caterpillar being moved up to the next level of milkweed and then add a butterfly at the end of their goal. Another person mentioned having an ice cream festival to celebrate books read by students and then free books given out at the end of year event, and yes, we all agreed ice cream and books? A win.
It was nice to have a session with an easy back and forth feel and just to get to know what other libraries use, struggle with and suggest and get ideas back and forth. VERY important when libraries and libraries get together often to do this allows everyone to generate ideas that fit their needs. The workshop presenters below did a great job in letting everyone compile and hash out ideas and issues.
I being able to compare Delaware to Maryland, I cam et realize how far reaching counties were in Maryland and the challenges to connect with so many differences in populations and needs. I feel we are VERY lucky in Delaware due to the followng aspects:
The existence of UDLIB where the whole state has access.
The ability to join the State Consortium that will provide a stage and platform for more professional librarians to have a place and visible need, and the chance to bring public libraries and school libraries together to advocate for each other stronger. We have many successes despite the challenges we see everyday.
I do see the challenges we have in rural areas in DE similar to rural areas in Maryland with connectivity- I am wondering if renting routers would be better than renting hotspots to connectivity, and want to research that deeper.
It was great to have State Librarian Dr. Norman and Tom Gavin, and seeing Kaitlyn Jurewicz from Capital School District all in the same place as we were able to represent Delaware well with many of the topics that were being brought up.
An open discussion session in which attendees can share what’s happening in their libraries related to any area – circulation, technology, programming, new services, post COVID changes, supervising, etc. Attendees may submit any questions they have ahead of time so that they m
I loved the sense of humor Justina Ireland presented, represented, and through out to the attendees following her keynote talk – so let’s hit it!
How did you get from California to …Maryland?
“I met a man…” laughing – Ms. Ireland explained she joined the army to get out of a not getting anywhere situation in CA, her husband was from PA when she met him, and then they settled for the east coast – (we are glad she did!).
It was interesting to hear her say most stories in the army started with “No sh*t, there I was…” and soldiers would go around telling stories to that prompt. (laughing). When she told her stories, everyone told her she should be a writer- and of course she imagined older men, stoic and she said that is not for me! We know that was NOT for her, but she is an amazing story teller and she defies that stereotype of what a writer looks like and has to be.
I loved her comment that while she was pregnant, and trying to deal with that identity, (people always rubbing her belly and not really recognizing HER as a human being!)- writing became a way that she found identity, and more of a person.
I almost do not want to share this because I will not do this justice, but if you know me (Harry)- I think odd things and just am really strange most of the time the way I see things, and I 100% connected when Ms. Ireland said, “I thought it was the most dead people in 1 place, and I thought, what a place for a zombie rising!” I laughed so hard, because I LOVED her answer, LOVED! She want on to say how she comments on how odd of a tragedy it would be when she goes places like what a flood would look like ripping through a valley, etc and her husband just remarks, “What makes you like this?!” VERY funny.
I loved how she also looked at Dread Nation as a form of showing how American has institutionalized education to “educate” (train) populations to think the way they want- from sending indigenous populations to “proper” schools to influencing narrow “truths” in ways throughout the same seating arrangements and procedures in school through the history of education – such an interesting topic.
When asked to come up with a reader’s advisory of books that followed the theme of TRUTH – within SECOND she spouted off so many recommendations, I am sure I only obtained a small portion of what she suggested, but let me try:
Truth seekers – “As a society, individuals have forgotten how important the truth is.”
“It is not how truth makes you feel, but what you do with it.”
“It is harder being the worst of ourselves versus the best of ourselves.”
“Social relationships are built on trust.”
“People as a group are lazy, It is easy to stay with a comfortable answer rather tan research it.”
“It’s like fiction can contain a little too much truth.”
“Being human can mean looking into how we’ve failed in the past.”
“Let uncomfortable truths challenge us to be better.”
“Fiction gives us a door to handle uncomfortable truths.”
“People who fear truth have to stop those ready to embrace truth.”
“Everyone’s truth is worth embracing fear.”
Takeaways from Justina Ireland’s keynote. It was difficult at first to see where Ms. Ireland was going with her anecdotal story of being a teen and covering as a lookout for a friend when she was doing something she didn’t want her parents to know about -and then lying about it. And paying the consequences for being a “cover” for her friend. Yet, as we get deeper into the story of Ms. Ireland’s experience as a teen, adult, mother, author, and as she experiences the world around her through those roles, if we allow ourselves, we see a bit of ourselves, (okay, maybe a lot), and future generations trying to make sense of this world with the events happening around us.
Maybe it is not so far-fetched that story tellers can weave stories that help interpret truths…
I LOVE (as an educator nerd) the fact that studies between reading fiction to understand empathy, and the idea of “repeatable settings” helping to set the tone of an individual to learn how to handle uncomfortable truths, but work through scenarios through fiction.
Anyone that comes bearing studies and providing paths to gaining more insightful information must be a librarian/author/reader, right? Actually Justina Ireland showed it could be any of us.
The anecdotal story how how the question What was the cause of the Civil War stood out to me, as many historian students danced around the question, and when the professor asked why she did not speak up, being surrounded by individuals that did not look like her, she had witnessed possibly an uncomfortable truth in a sea of individuals that unconsciously were not aware they were shying from a truth. Yet, I love how as a history buff, she is able to see societal norms that take uncomfortable truths and gloss them over – torus of mansions with pieces of history left out of the tour, justifying the transatlantic slave trade for the economy of America, a tradition of having weddings in locations where so much tragedy of the past has occurred, subtle, but very much glossed to smooth out an uncomfortable truth.
The comment that adults make miserable readers versus youth, LOVED. Thinking of all the issues and dilemmas adults get caught up with and the energy that youth bring to those same dilemmas, is a lesson we can learn from as adults every day in everything we do.
In saying that it’s like fiction can have a little too much truth when alot of fiction is being asked to be removed by adults, it is important to “…have difficult questions” in order to teach youth what we are showing them” in the best possible way.
Justina Ireland emphasized that we need to learn to reconcile when we comes across a piece of fiction something that might shake our core, and that we’d be less likely to reject an idea if it is not happening to us, but being able to consider it before outright rejecting it. Totally agree on this, absolutely. SO CONNECTED to Medhi Hasan and perceiving audiences with storytelling (and pathos).
After being a visitor to the Harriet Tubman Museum and Underground Railroad State Park and being able to take in the landscape peacefully among the powerful displays inside the museum, I respected a little more the absolute fight Harriet Tubman had for her very soul, and it would be a complete let down to ignore those truths and move on without resolving to carry fights for the truth forward that matter. It prevents the movements of individuals like Harriet Tubman and so many unheard stories from being erased as a part of our history and representing the often hidden and unheard truths that are our history amid much of history celebrated, that often is not the true history of so many.
It is perfect that Ms. Ireland challenged all to keep truth as everyone’s North Star, just as Harriet Tubman resolved to go back and rescue truths time and time again at her own risk of losing herself.
It is absolutely fascinating to hear questions asked to Ms. Justina Ireland, and I will save that for the next post – to let you take all the really motivating information in about truths and our history.
Absolutely, this keynote message and the messages of truth librarians across the United States is deserved to be passed on to future generations and should be represented.
What do students feel when they are asked ? Librarians are always curious, so we first are producing their raw answers and in a day or so, and will extract out what stands out to us as we let content soak in.
Something poignant stands out – “It feels like something that’s happened already that shouldn’t have.” I keep coming back to this one line. It makes me feel and think about topics that relate to librarianship, librarians, and students when they aren’t asked, then they are left out of pertinent conversations, when they aren’t considered. Yet, I also think about how waves of issues can pop up and just fly past you and leave you feeling as if you are a spectator and not actively involved in events around you as so much happens, so quickly, so sudden, sometimes as it just feels like a reaction.
Not sure if that sticks out to you in some way, but that line still sticks in my mind as a come into contact with a myriad of viewpoints, issues, and concerns from individuals from all walks of life. Stay tuned for more 🙂
I love the fact that when asked something that many do not think of asking, students will take the questions themselves and try to gather many opinions of their peers- as happened here. I feel we need to see much more empowerment of youth regarding issues and have more discussions with youth on topics that are occurring around us in librarianship arenas; their thoughts and views will surprise you!
I asked students today in high school, what do you feel about someone else dictating your tastes in resources. I am placing one student comment here and over the next few days will also represent the 45 other student responses as we collect them, as asking students about what is happening around them is often the one aspect of any decision that is often left out. And asking a school librarian too (that is another post, lol).
“My personal belief regarding books, is everyone and anyone, no matter what they identify as or their race or background, should be able to read whatever as they please. I don’t feel it’s right to take that away from someone who wants to relate to what their reading. not everyone has to read these books, it is their decision to make that choice. regardless if these books are taken out of libraries, they are on other platforms to be read, the internet is a source to everything. “
Here is one thing I will say – Parents/guardians have never been forced, pushed, or put into a position to not say or restrict what their child should read, bring home, hear. Ever. Turning the tables around and asking for a Parents Bill of Rights when it comes to literacy or the role of a professional librarian, and not trusting them, not communicating with them, and certainly not being in the “know” about what a whole book, from cover to last page is about (not excerpts but reading the whole book) – and not even being aware IF there is a professional librarian in a school – these are all steps that should be taken BEFORE jumping to needing a bill, law, or policy passed.
Many, if not all, professional trained librarians indeed have a Collection Development Policy created to break down any questions or fears individuals might have.
Organization like American Library Association, American Association for School Libraries, INSURE that librarians are representing ALL patrons fairly, equally, and without political and personal bias. This has not changed in the training of professional librarians ANYWHERE, at ANY TIME.
Parents and guardians are indeed responsible for the guidelines of discipline, access to media in many forms, and information that is important and of value to their family. No bills are needed to reinforce that. No schools and certainly no libraries I have ever worked at or represented have ever violated. that.
If anything, professional librarians make available all resources to all individuals of all beliefs, races and identities. School boards recognize that and support that, not challenge that and in harmony, school boards, admin, teachers, and faculty work in harmony towards that end.
It is not always perfect, but I can tell you, when individuals feel they need to put guardrails on freedoms of literacy, research, and diversity of ideas and not have them available to all patrons, there is a serious cause of concern.
If a student or young person wants to truly disregard the values of a family and find something on the internet, I hate to break his to you, but they will. However, starting with family bases, be it a grandparent, relative, or friend, values that are instilled in individuals through all kinds of family situations are where values originate.
When you vote for school board members, ask yourself these questions:
How often has the candidate reached out to students and found out their perspective of what they value in a school day? What do they like to explore, discover, research and what is their passion? Dream?
How often has a candidate taken an excerpt of a news article, book, journal and is unaware of the WHOLE piece of article, book, or journal?
How many times has a candidate visited a public/school library and communicated with the professional librarian about their routines, policies, choices, elections and the type of patrons that make up their school community?
What is the value of a school librarian to the candidate? Since professional librarians are the first line of knowledge when it comes to resources, what conversations have been made with professional librarians and the candidate of how they impact the school? Is there a professional librarian encouraging readers to check out at least 2-4 items per week and introducing them to a variety of reading scenarios?
Please consider these questions and if your candidate is not actively aware of these grounded questions, you have the right as a vested individual, whether retired, a parent, a cousin, a grandparent to get to know your professional librarian, public or school setting, and have a intelligent, well-directed conversation about these topics.
Professional librarians have been navigating HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of diverse patrons all of their lives – they are TRAINED to do so. That is what makes them professional and respected for all of these years, despite hints and rumors that topics unsavory and smutty are being introduced to library users.
I have been in inner city schools, suburban schools, rural schools, schools in two other countries, and in all their libraries. Never have I seen a child, aged kindergarten to 12th grade influenced detrimentally by a professional librarian. They have obtained their influences from the individuals that surround them, even the students that are in foster care- and always, the library has been their very best location to find a resemblance of themself, if a professional librarian is part of the school equation.
So yes, last month contained School Library Month, week, day, along with National Library Week AND….opportunity to set up events for a whole year to follow.
Case in point, making connections to everything around us it VITALLY important. Girls Who Code was initiated this semester at Woodbridge High, with three attending ladies and yes, I was skeptical. Yet, the connections these ladies have made and established in setting up this club has been AWESOME. They decided on a theme of Habits, seeing habits be tied to programming and how it can establish a student in many areas, not just in programming. I thought pretty forward thinking. Additionally, these ladies are experimenting with the programming Code Scratch, and it is easiest to just let you see the basis of the last meeting we had this week – and what one of the three has learned from this experience:
GREAT job Olivia! We watched Olivia’s Scratch video:
Olivia’s only experience with Scratch was in Science where she just as on the receiving end of seeing the programming.
I forget, but was going to ask – Wendy, what has been your experience?
Some things Olivia learned re: Scratch –
You can’t duplicate some actions/commands
Moving – this sometimes has to be paused to allow a fluid motion of a image/character moving in a clip and cause that wait time.
Regarding the theme of Habits we discussed about connecting to the Spring ’23 Girls Who Code, Olivia mentioned she saw determination and perseverance as two specific characteristics that align with that theme.
Olivia had the idea to show us opening boxes to use as PR and advertising for Girls Who Code, and we discussed the possibility of upcoming, before the end of the year, if we can try 5th period to get a lunch where we can meet in the library and work on one of the boxes/projects we have to see what we have and work with it!
Any questions, let me know, any help, let me know, but let’s meet Thursday to see if we can see some new Scratch clips!
Way to go Olivia!
It is very good to see how school libraries can serve as a hub for creativity in and out of the classroom, while still creating a new world within the same school. It is almost like breathing – not exactly sniffing- new life into how poetry can be viewed and conceived.
~ Speaking of connections and utilizing your senses, what happens when librarians seek connections outside of school? Thank to the Delaware Humanities, connecting with the Lewes book store Biblion, to the poet Shelley Puhak, connected to the History Book Festival in Lewes, we were lucky enough to connect students studying Poetry (in the month of April)
and bringing various perspectives of poetry, from back historical periods of Greek mythology and say, Salem Witchtrials, to present day and how poetry could be relevant. Thanks to the generosity of the Delaware Humanities/ Lewes History Book Festival, Biblion bookstore, and Shelley Puhak, students were able to dive into some of their favorite, unknown-to-be-favorite-yet-poetry, and figure out how poetry could take on more personal meaning.
It goes without saying, juggling schedules, interruptions and technology when it does not want to work, all poses undue stress on all parties and yet, it was a GREAT experience to show how you work and persevere through challenges, find alternative points of view of something that might seem isolated to a classroom, and open up scenarios that would not even be conceived of.
“In every aspect of my educational life the Library has played an important role. In High School, I spent time in the library preparing – for projects, for classes, and trying to figure out my future plans. In college, we spent endless hours researching for papers, looking through micro phish, working on the computers (I did not have my own), and studying for major tests. As a teacher, I have spent hours researching projects for my students, as well as the history of different schools/ sports to prepare “the history of” parts of our athletics programs. For me the library has always been a great resource and a place to find what I needed.” – WHS Faculty Member
“I’m not a librarian but I have always liked to read. I grew up going to my neighborhood library and make sure all my grandchildren also understood how special the library is in the life of the community. So they all got their first library card as soon as they started to read. I support your effort!!!”– Delaware Community Member
On Wednesday, April 26th, the Woodbridge Library Media Center, the Woodbridge Library, or sometimes even referred to as the Raider’s Den, received an upgrade in title now known as the Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center.
This sounds pretty sophisticated and formal, correct? Well, that is true but there is also much to reflect on based on this event, looking back on School Library Month in April.
Who was Walter P.J. Gilefski? I have to tell you, in the six years I have been to Woodbridge High, and from the details of April 26th’s ceremony, I wanted to connect what Mr. Gilefski believed in when it comes to all things library.
The above two quotes at the beginning of this post tie into the knowledge that often, Mr. Gilfeski would be hard to find as he often was working on a puzzle or lost in book that caught his attention, either at the Bridgeville Public Library or the Woodbridge High School Library. The coolest thing was he would just come in, peruse and sometimes just sit down and work on a puzzle, and sometimes never say a word. As a school librarian, there was never a better compliment than just knowing he would frequent our library and come in for no other reason but to just enjoy the area and take in what was there. We are lucky in that respect that board members visit and do take in the same facilities the school community takes in, it is AWESOME.
In hearing Mr. Gilefski’s son relay the fact that he was aware and hoped others were aware that librarian are more than manual book-shelvers, and despite “library” being the standard old-school term sometimes competing with title Media Specialist and Media Center, it was very comforting to know he was aware of the multitude of contributions a librarian, also knows as a Media Specialist, can offer anyone, ANYONE. The importance in remembering the place of such a center in any school, in any community, among any group of people is this – the value of offering choices to all patrons, whether they want to delve into a topic or avoid a topic, whether to seek out information or not to take in a certain topic, the freedom to decide, be involved, and freedom to have a choice is ever present.
In hearing Delaware Senator Davie Wilson, Superintendent Heath Chasanov, Assistant Superintendent Derek Prillaman, Board Member Steve MacCarron, and Principal Kelley Kirkland revisit the values Mr. Walter P.J. Gilefksi brought to so many people, it is a realization that all libraries have the potential and priority to value every patron that walks through their doors. It is a privilege to be able to exercise the diversity, values, and beliefs of so many people that make up a community. It is what defines a center, sets it apart from the general influx of everything that can be found on the internet, and is the one center that can personalize the beliefs, values, and points of view of hundreds of people in a single week when supported.
Additionally, it was comforting to realize the professionalism, and un-amateurism that school librarians bring to a school, to a student, to a faculty, to an administration, to a state. There is MUCH MORE to the profession than book shelving, there are at least 4-5 years of training involved with learning in how to represent a school population of diverse interests, values, and needs – creating Collection Development polices, creating guardrails to protect individuals of all ages, and to protect freedoms of all kinds. This is a much bigger sphere than people realize, but on the same caliber of a professional nurse, counselor, educator, any professional.
To realize this was to know Mr. Walter P.J. Gilefski. Isn’t is amazing to see how one person’s life can serve as a legacy for years to come, for ages and generation to come, and in one specific example through a library?
So you see, the dedication of the now Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center is not something that belongs to Woodbridge High School alone, but to every single library, librarian, and individual recognizing the value that lies behind professionalism, freedom, diversity, respect, librarianship, and in our case, Delaware.
This is only one of many representations of what and how librarians have come to be something much larger than a physical space we learned in April, and I am excited to share more with you in the next few days- but in the meantime, supporting the very ideals that Mr. Walter P.J. Gilefksi believed in and lived, helps support the values that are contained within every single volume that every single patron can value differently.
April – A treasure trove of connections that tie to libraries, librarians, and ties to education itself. From poets, authors, titles, events, advocacy, and poetry, there was enough to carry in one month to the whole year of ways school libraries, and all libraries can be better advocated for on all levels.
Stay tuned as we reflect, connect, and bring libraries to the surface in may ways.
PAVEing a Blog 