PAVEing a Blog

April 26, 2023 –

Kudos and a HUGE thanks to DLA’s Catherine Wimberley, Jaclyn Hale,
https://dla.lib.de.us/

and YSD’s Susan Elizabeth Cordle
https://dla.lib.de.us/divisions/ysd/

and to the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center
https://www.newcastlede.gov/1389/Route-9-Library-Innovation-Center

and to Baker & Taylor’s Spring and Fall 2023 title previews for hosting the TitleTalk: Summer Fall 2023 Previews today.

Weather you realize it or not, Delaware has the ability to host HUGE events on their own- it takes more than the grueling amount of hours the planners and sponsors commit to and out in – it takes each of you as attendees – and is was AWESOME seeing Dawn Card, Susan Gooden, Stephanie Saggione, Mae-Lynn Smith and a lot of public librarians too – together – there was so much to take in.

Some could argue it was just a long day of titles being presented but this is the different, certified librarians and qualified public librarians can take the same info most people would just see as titles, and are able to instantly connect those titles to the needs of real students.

THAT is the difference between qualified and those that are not quite yet. It was an honor to be in the room with so many individuals willing to make sacrifices to excite their patrons about literacy.

Stay tuned and check at the bottom of this blog for a great video surprise of my notes you will see tomorrow (from today)

and yes – Carina Ho was amazing.
https://isthmus.com/arts/stage/carina-ho-onikho-disability-pride-fest/

Small examples to get excited about today:

Rebellion 1777 – Laurie Halse Anderson

Jason Reynolds Mile Morales Suspended and Stunt Boy

Matthew McConaughey Just Because

and MANY MORE pages of some pretty exciting book that will just make you stop.

And Stare.

Stay tuned and tomorrow, I will flip through my notes in a video and show you, as if you were there today, what you need to be looking for.

Video of my notes from the Titletalk:

Stay tuned, this amazing insight into this film – coming! It was AWESOME seeing Senator Buckson, Peggy Geisler, Lisette Cabrera Gallozo, Margie Cyr, Zjhodell Hudson, as well as Maureen Whalen as panel members for this INITIAL, FIRST SHOWING of this insightful film. How can I tell you the amazing depth of this film without giving it away before the showing days you see below are done?

Let me show you a few amazing facts from this film:

The fact that many low literacy to no literary individuals are considered poets and the fact is, many individuals that are poets never knew how to write complete sentence and this showed how they learned how to navigate without that knowledge.

How do we acknowledge as a country that a million and a half individuals are illiterate in our country?

How in Delaware 120 million is spent on low income subsidies and yet we are still graduating so many individuals that cannot read or write?

Realizing the example given, that as a chair relies on the four leg as a foundation, we too are seeing a diminishing foundation of losing literate individuals, as we lose certified librarians, researched methods to address literacy and finding paths to address this issue head on instead of with program ideas.

Shocking/Revolutionary/speechless to meet a millionaire, a teacher, a doctor in their professions while they DID NOT KNOW HOW TO READ ANYTHING. Read that again, and yes, avoiding emails, letters, contracts AND teaching OTHERS the very substance of what they were missing – this was – there are no words to detail this until you see this film – and even after, you are just stunned.

It is scary that the most impoverished group we have are children. It is even more shocking to see that students that never learned to read were 100% on being able to mimic teachers to get to the point of being able to graduate with that method.

The acknowledgement of so many individuals and cross sections of educational employees working in silos apart from each other says much about what could have been achieved had this not been the cae through the years.

The fact I will come back to again is meeting a teacher that taught for 17, SEVENTEEN years and that could not read at all – you have to let that sink it to be able to redefine who you are thinking of when we say the word illiterate, and how this effects EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF Society as a result in someway. But to realize this, you need to see the desperation of survival that students, not turned adults, utilize to survive without the skills of reading and comprehension that never were properly taught to be able to learn.

What kept coming back to me during this film was the fact that Delaware ranks 42 out of 51 states (counting D.C.) in librarianship and the lack of knowledge of how many certified librarians and we have lost. AND the further thought that certified librarians is only one large cog in a whole series of critical areas not being the right tools students are receiving.

It was so ironic to see footage of Barbara Bush’s initial adult literacy movements. I was a product of the Barbara Bush initiative to encourage librarians in the school to be able to take- for 7 years, as many credits for $1000.00 per semester towards the degree of being a certified librarian. I took advantage of this and that is where my eyes became opened to the lack of support for school librarians in schools. When I saw Barbara Bush on this video advocated for the DOZEN of literacy programs, now still in place thanks to Laura Bush, I remembered how lucky I was to have someone encourage me to delve into literacy more.

Now we have a chance to help others in many other ways by bringing the realities of lack, is so many areas, to the surface.

From examining balanced literacy, to phonics as what was thought as the saving technique, to the reading wars, to Whole language, it was difficult to indeed say we are the “Land of the Free” when there is no support for individuals that can work their way through school and through graduation, being passed from grade to grade, without having a clue how to read one sentence at all. We are not truly free if so many individuals are not afforded the care, services, skills from professionals that allow themselves to be free.

If you are stagnant, you are not doing anything- was such a simply but powerful quote stated by an inmate, who saw how reading and understand reading pulled him out of quicksand.

Seeing the laborious ways individuals took to be able to get the proper words used in a sentence and mean what they intended, by guessing on typing words to see what the meaning in context is when they do this in Google. In Google. This method takes the person did not acquire literacy skills almost an hour longer to produce a sentence, that makes sense, and meets the need of the individual themself.

The lengths individuals share with you to not be detected by others, that they cannot read- is exhausting day after day even to is as the viewer.

The sentiment that no one is going to save us so we have to be the ones that save ourselves has never been more true as you encounter so many prominent people that never truly learned to read and write in the first 40 years of their lives. FORTY YEARS!

Seeing how a lack of literacy, a lack of trained librarians, a lack of awareness of all the moving parts needed to support all students in school, the fact that much illiteracy is evaded even all through college, and still so many graduate – passed through grade after grade, and all the while the lack of reading and literacy is present.

This film is so personal and so direct, you will NOT even slightly want to consider missing on the screenings you see above. Once May 15th hits and all have had a chance to see this film, I will deep dive into some of the most amazing take-away from this film is too vast to try and cover in one blog post. So, let’s give you a chance to see this in the next few weeks and then we will return to return to this topic.

We asked them – and well we think that the opinions speak for themselves- we discovered advocacy is experiencing what you learn and learning to support and celebrate the places we learn!

Ms Conway – I think the library is a great resource for students and staff in school. The library provides students a place to research, study, and work. The books that are in the library are often books that students wouldn’t haven’t an opportunity to read or use for school. Not only can the students read/use the books in the school library they can request books from any library which will be delivered to the location of the student. The library creates a place for people to learn from the resources within it.

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DAMIEN

I think that school libraries are important since it is the easiest way to study. Some towns, especially smaller ones may only have 1 town library, maybe not even that. So the school library is important for kids to have a library in school so they can do their best in life and for the world.

Maya- i like going to the library because it’s quiet,I come there by choice because i have really bad anxiety being around people and being in the library is calming

And chill, Mr brake and Mrs Short are really nice and can talk to about anything

It’s nothing like before its calming and fun

You don’t have to go there to read you can research or hang out

Libraries changed in a good way. i know it’s helped me alot and helped  aton of other teens and adults

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Garrett, Dylan, Malik- we believe the library should be a part of the school because the library stores a part of our world history. The peace and quiet from outside the classroom allows students to work at a steady place with a clear mind. The many genres that you may find in the library to read is what encourages students to learn something new or to find inspiration. The comfy atmosphere allows students to feel calm and at home allowing for a safe environment for students to express themselves.

Everyday the amount of students that come in and out of the library is astonishing. Many students find it easier to meet new people with common interests. When students need a project done the first place they go to is the library for research on the topic. If the library doesn’t have a book they are looking for you can always request for that book to be delivered or alternatively you may use the many computers to help you research. There are plenty of books that can encourage us to go out and explore the beautiful world we live in. Overall the library  is a wonderful place for students to express themselves freely, meet new people, and to find a good book to read. Also we like turtles.

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Tracey

School libraries are here to be an educational resource.  The classrooms use a lot of technology but the books and resources are still a huge part of the educational experience.  In our school library – the students come for books, for a quiet area to study, an area to quietly socialize, and an area to find historical data to back up their papers/ projects/ etc….   In a world where technology can be used at your fingertips, we still need students to understand other methods of research. I like turtles

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·         Ian- Libraries are important because they allow our students to develop a sense of the past, present, and configure a vision of the future. Having a library also helps the students by allowing them to have a safe quiet place to do work.

·         Ava – School libraries are a way to help students build bonds with teachers, admin, and students that they otherwise wouldn’t see on a daily basis. In addition it provides easy access to all sorts of information.

·         Irene – School libraries are multi-purpose places that can be a quiet place to finish work, or a place where meetings can happen. They are also places where a student can quickly browse a large quantity of quality information. They are also a place to find books to read by authors that they may already know. If there is a book that I hear of, the school library is the first place that I look, and often it has it. If the school library didn’t have it, it is possible that I would never have access to the book otherwise.

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·         Genny-School Library for me it’s important because it can help me do research. If I need something for my classes, it can help. Even my librarian can help me looking for answers I need, or something I need to find in a book.

·         Amani – for me school libraries are really important for me because it’s a quiet place to study and get work done in a comfortable environment and has the sources around that are needed

·         Cassie- School Library’s for me are a very comfortable and cozy environment, the bean bags and cushions make me feel cozy while doing my work as if I’m at home.

·         Johnathon- For me personally, I’ve been in my school library every day of every year of my high school career, and I’ve never even checked out a book. While the library is a great way to get resources, it provides a comfortable environment for students outside of the classroom setting to socialize, get resources as needed, and it gives students much needed extra time to complete things they need to

·         Alison- The library provides students with many resources. I come to the library for information, technological inquiries, to study, etc.

·         Elijah – The library has books on philosophy and topics outside of our normal curriculum, which expands our base of knowledge further. There are also qualities found in books that are not found through reading on a computer; they are physical, they have texture and quality to them. Reading a book is a conversation between the writer and the reader, and many of our students need to improve their conversation skills with the past.

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·         Bella- The library provides great resources for classroom assignments, help studying for standardized testing such as the SATS, and help when applying for scholarships and jobs. The library also provides access to technology such as computers, ipads, printers, and wifi for students who wouldn’t normally have this access at home. The library also allows students to take the time to follow through with their own personal interests by having tons of books and internet access to thousands of topics.

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Serenity

The library has always been a safe place for me. Mr. Brake has made the library a good place for everyone. We sometimes go there to chill when we need a break or need to do make -up work. We do a lot of fun activities like gingerbread decoration, tree decoration, and we have conferences with book authors and inspiring people. All those activities are just some we did this school year. The library is also very flexible with after school torturing, class activities like a Socratic seminar, and club meetings. I have always been able to depend on the library and Mr. Brake when I am behind on school work or just need a place to relax after getting very emotional. The library is honestly the best and my favorite place in the school for me and I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have that safe place.

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Suzely

Our school library is an essential piece to our school, our library is always open to varieties of activities. We hold contests, after school meetings, individual studying, college meets, class meetings, extra help, etc. in our library. The library is overlooked when it comes to the engagement of students and school, they are more than books stacked on a shelf. Our library is an open environment to students where they can come and clear their minds after a long day, they can also come in and eat lunch, it also provides us with technical service. When a laptop doesn’t work the first place all teachers send the students is the library. We are given a borrower or replacement, if it wasn’t for the library we would’ve had a big wait back. Many of the programs I have joined in the recent years are because I learned about them through our school librarian (Mr. Brake). I can happily say that our school library has engaged me more into my school activities, by providing me with the proper information and our amazing librarian guide. Many other students could also convey their gratitude towards the library.

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Ja’Lysha

Our school library is a safe and comfortable place for me and it has many books to learn about. It also has many activities to participate in within the library. The library really gives people the time and peace that they really need in life and an open environment for people to feel like they are welcomed. Whenever I Needed help I would always go to Mr. Brake because I knew that he would always give me what I asked for. A lot of other students didn’t even know what they could do without the library and they always depended on our library because Mr. Brake. Whenever anybody needs help with something that involves technology we would go to Mr. Brake because he is very helpful and knows what he is doing most of the time. When I started coming to the library 2 years ago, I knew that I was going to be in here every time that I needed to get my mind right because it is a very calming place where nobody could distract you. I get more work done in the library than I do when I’m anywhere else because I get distracted too fast. I would recommend going to the library whenever you get a chance too because it is a very relaxing place to be at.

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Alisha

My school library is a place for me to relax, especially amidst a tough school day. I’m able to quietly complete my work and catch up with anything I may have missed without distractions. This is important for me because I prefer to have all my work done while in school, that way I’m not bothered with homework at home. Not only does the library provide a space to get work done, but also to just read. Whilst in the library, I have the motivation to read because I have the opportunity, but otherwise it’s a little difficult to get myself to sit down and read a book. Having a library is important for me because it’s so useful in a variety  of ways, and I couldn’t imagine not being able to have one in my school.

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 Cheyenne

My school library is a place for me to relax , and get any school work done because with my job after school I don’t really get much time to get work done so when I am in the library it is nice and quiet and I am able to focus and get work done. Also at the end of the day is a great time to come to the library and have a relaxing time to end off my day at school. Having a library is important for me because it’s so useful in my day to day life so that I’m not overwhelmed with school work.  

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Savannah

My school Library is a very important place to me,  The library is a very good mental health space where if i am having a rough day, my time is the Library Is just that much more important because i am able to have time to myself, and to be able to reflect on my day and things i can do better; whether that is school work i need to be working on, studying, my behavior, etc. The Library helps many of us students be able to have a space that is very peaceful and quiet, and is the place many of us enjoy being in. Having a Library is very important to me and other students because it allows for us to get done what we need to get done, have a place we can gain help at, and just having a place where we are able to make our own decisions on what we get to do for that day. It gives us a feeling of control in our education, we can control the work we do, what we study, if we are going to do research or write an essay for a class, the Library is very valuable to our education.

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Emily

I enjoy having a school library because it allows me to relax.  I am in two college courses and having the library means that when I am overloaded with work, I can come in here and chill, do my work, and enjoy my time.  I like to sit here because it is quiet and I am able to focus better, a lot of students come and do the same thing that I do in the library, I believe that is a very good place to spend my time.

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Jaqueline

I quite like my school’s library. It is a place where I can catch up on my work, consult with my instructors or simply study. Most classrooms are noisy, and a place where I find that it is hard to concentrate at times. It is also a place of information, one that I can go to for searching whatever it is that I may need at the time. The school library has provided me with books that I would have otherwise needed to search for at other libraries (if they even had the book) as well as useful information about a contest I recently participated in, the Youth Oratorical Forum about one’s digital footprint. Besides the educational value of the school library, over the years, it has also provided me with the opportunity to read many books that I still enjoy today, such as all thirteen books of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket.

All in all, I find the school library a useful, relaxing place.

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Madilyn

My school library is a valuable location to me. I enjoy the calm environment since it is a wonderful place to be able to study and decompress from long days. I participate in the Academic Challenge Program for both English and math, so I have an above average amount of homework a typical high schooler has to complete. Having access to the library allows me to get this work done during the school day instead of trying to find time at home. I have a very busy lifestyle so it is very hard to find time at home and on the weekends to complete my work. The library gives me not only a quiet environment, but the time of the week to be able to sit down and complete my work. I have a friend who also participates in Academic Challenge and she tells me all the time that she wouldn’t know what to do if not for the library giving her a place to complete her work. Over the years, my school libraries have given me access to books and research I could have never found or afforded without the libraries’ volunteer help. The environment is a perfect location to study and offers a variety of opportunities I could have not had had it not been for the library.

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Joseph-

For me the school library is a place where one can get away from the noise in the outside world. There is no noise and no distractions, which helps you get your tasks done easily. It gives a chance to those who don’t have a nice and quiet place where they can think and attempt to be productive. The library was and is an important part of my life. Middle school me would walk in and grab a few books like the Harry Potter series, or the Percy Jackson series and more. The library is an escape from reality and vital to those who do not have the equipment that this place does. Those without a computer can come in and look up whatever they need and file it for their necessities, whether they are legal documents or personal things. Those same people could then print it out if they do not have a printer at home. This makes it more fair to everyone. These places have history inside of them from books or articles and can help us learn from it.

Porfirio

To me the library is a useful area to use with the free time given. I like to do all my work here as it’s a calm area to work in. Another thing would be I enjoy the amount of books that are available to read as there is a wide diversity of them. Another thing would be the time I get to socialize with other students as I don’t have to worry about doing work.

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Angela – As someone who visits libraries frequently, they bring a lot of importance to my life and to others. While a library can be just about books, it can also help people with school and for personal use like jobs. Libraries are filled with many books with information about anything, but not only that, they can provide necessities that many people may not have access to such as computers, printers, etc. I enjoy the calm environment and how much it has helped me during difficult school years and it can also bring much help to others.

~Nevaeh- I currently use my school’s library everyday. I tend to get way more of my work done while i am in the library. My librarian is always a great person to come to when I need something and he is always willing to help. When students may need extra time on a project or homework, the library is always available to anyone which is a great resource. The school would not be the same if we did not have our library, and most importantly our librarian.

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Roselyn – I believe that it’s important to have library time during school hours due to the fact that students in school get more time to work on things that are unfinished and they get to learn more things i believe it’s important because as a student myself i come in everyday to work on homework or tests to bump up my grade in order to finish high school on time this also helps me and other students have a mental break if needed the library also gives me access to information i would need to learn before taking a test or doing homework.

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Travis- To me the school library is a place for me to relax and do school work without the distraction of a loud class allowing me to perform at my best. The library also allows me to have access to and read a plethora of different books which I thoroughly enjoy.

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Avery- To me, the school library is a place where I can relax and get caught up on unfinished school work everyday. It is a place where I can focus in the quiet without distractions. It is the one period of the day where I can check things off my to-do list and communicate with peers consistently. The school would not be the same without a library and librarian for students.

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Promyse- To me the library is a calm area where i can enjoy myself and not be overwhelmed. Coming to the library allows me to get my work done without being interrupted by others around me.I enjoy the time i have in the library because it allows me to get things done that i couldn’t do in other classes , while being in the library this gives you time to catch up with your friends and classmates.

Kyrsis- I love all the resources in the library. They are an essential part of schools because they have many things that you can’t find online.Library give students time to catch up on their work and have a quiet spot everyday. This library has many available resources you can learn from.It also helps socialize with your friends. It’s good to have a library in school because it has books with good information you need and more. Plus it does not involve the computer and you can get a break from it.

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Laney- The library is a quiet place where I can do work for other classes. It helps reduce stress from other classes’ work loads, and allows a calming environment.

Dilly~ The library for me is a place where I can calm down and lessen the pressure and stress from the school day. It’s quiet and calming there. I also use the library as a place to get work caught up for other classes which is always helpful.

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Emma- Personally the library is the one place I get to relax and not feel pressure in the school. I sit in the nice quiet room and work on my homework and essays for my del tech class and scholarships. The library is very important and a useful place that I appreciate very much.

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Louie- The library has been useful for school research especially during ELA, the access of books in the library is easier to use than having to go down to a public library. The ability to just hang out in the library while doing school work is very relaxing.

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Zyaire- The library is a place where i can cool off and get work done silently, it’s also a place where i don’t have to worry about anything and can just mind my business

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David – The library is a place for all types of students. From people trying to catch up on work from another class to students that are studying for the next exam. During these moments of student life there is a place where people go to concentrate and get things done. The library in school is beneficial because its close and easy to access. Which means students in the library are more likely to cross with each other and interact about the same problems. Causing too make stronger bonds.

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Romualdo 😉  –   I like library !!!!

Daria- I appreciate the accessibility of the resources in the library and the free time I have in it. Having time in between classes to catch up on work or talk to my friends is the highlight of my day. The school library allows me to be prepared at a moment’s notice and is a saving grace for me as an AP student.

Jameson- The library is an essential part of many students’ days. It provides resources unlike any other department in the school and enables students to do their homework in independent study. Among other things, the library hosts events such as college visits that help to encourage students.

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Kailyin – Libraries are peaceful place to enjoy a nice book or get extra work done for your classes in a quiet environment. It also holds a large selection of books that are free of charge to borrow which i appreciate and use every day. Without the library I wouldn’t have anywhere to sit down and get extra work done, I’d be forced in the lunchroom which is loud and noisy. Libraries should be in every school

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Christian- The library is a great place to just sit down unwind and enjoy a good book right in school without the hassle of going to a public library and it opens up many opportunities to meet people who enjoy reading just as much as you do or maybe just enjoy the same type of stories as you, overall the library is a great place that is full of peace, quiet, and adventure the second you open up a book.

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Rylan – it can help people get information about topics they do not know about.

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Henry- The library is a good place to communicate with other students and help people with some of the work, it could also be a good place to study with other resources and projects you could do at the moment, i can be a good thing to help you get more time to finsh work that is unfinished to help you get better at school.

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Sydne – I love the library, it’s a comfortable space where I can breathe and separate myself from teh classroom setting. Having the library here is great and resourceful, I love getting books and just having a constructed space where I have space and time to work on myself and classwork. The people I met and the things I learn from just being in this environment I think improves my life and it can improve other students’ lives.

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Aislinn- I use the library daily, it is a safe place for students to get work done, study, read amazing books and more. When I come into the library, I am greeted well and given the place to work in a quiet environment to get my Ap work or Med tech class work done in.

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Alyssa – The library is an environment that I personally rely on and appreciate.The removal of the library would result in the destruction of my creative capabilities and a space that I depend on for extra time to study and work on things for my classes.

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Sam- The library is a very nice place to hold meetings for non sports related clubs and activities. It is also a great place to study, as there are hundreds of books to read.

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Raleigh- The library is a nice place to finish work and do work, i feel like when I need to focus i can come down to here to, it is a nice place to find resources and ways of settling down when the day is hard.~

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Marlisha- I really had a great experience from the library, I had been put out of my comfort zone and signed to many contests and signed many scholarships mr.Brake helps me with. The books in this library are really nice to read and fill up my time when I am home. I really do appreciate the library and the things it provided for me in the past 2 years and would like to continue having this support for the rest of my high school experience, and I feel like other students would like to have this experience as well.

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Sahiara- Every since I was a little kid the library has been a very therapeutic place for me. Libraries are very nostalgic in my lifetime experience and I really feel like other people should be able to experience that feeling as well. Libraries can be quiet and a place for you to have a free mind. Taking away libraries would cause future students to lack a room of resources and knowledge.

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Wendy –  The library has many books that you learn from, I especially like to enjoy different books of different topics. I come to the library very often and It’s been a very good experience. I love being able to be in the library and enjoy many activities that it hosts to further education. The library is a safe and quiet place for many people, not just for hanging out, or finding comfort, or just finding more knowledge to feed their brains. It’s an enjoyable feeling that you are able to experience being surrounded by many books and polite people.

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Jeremiah- The library is not only the place for educational activities but a place to hang out for how quiet it is.

Ja’mez ~ The library is a place where students can come to catch up on some work and eat lunch. Maybe a chill down for some of the students also .

Tavon ~ The library is a place where students can think and clear their heads if they’re going through something. The library is also a place where people get their extra work done or they make up work so they can be passing their classes because sometimes people don’t understand the work at that time or they just didn’t think they had enough time to get their work done. The library can also just be a chill spot for them to calm down.

Alanis ~The library is a place that’s very peaceful. I love being here. If I could I would stay here for days and just read or do my homework. Without this place I don’t know where I could possibly relax in this school. If I ever were to need some place quiet and peaceful I wouldn’t go to a classroom where there isn’t even anywhere comfortable to sit, I would go to the library. The library is like a safe place for quiet and hardworking people, if anyone takes that away where would all the hard working students and people who just want some peace and quiet to read go. I personally love the libraries in the school. If I could do all my work in this place I would but I still come here to read and to have some peace of mind.

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William – the library is a good place to eat lunch in peace and quiet and to study with all homework and great to work in a small quiet pair.

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Cindy – The library is a great resource. Some people do not like to read books via the internet. They would much rather have a hard copy. Also, students can research the history of the school by looking at the yearbooks that are stored in the library. Our library has most of the yearbooks since Woodbridge became a school district. Also, the library provides a quiet place for students to read, do research, etc. If students cannot find something or need help conducting research, the librarian is there to help them.

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Ijanae- The library is a good place to come to have a quite, claim time to have time to catch up on any homework or anything they need to do. Also it is good because you can find good books to read while enjoying the quietness of the library.

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Robyn-For many students, the library is an indispensable component of their day. It gives students access to tools not found in any other school division and allows them to complete their homework independently. The library organizes activities like college visits among other things to inspire pupils.

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Kendall- School libraries have many resources that students need and cannot get anywhere else. They also provide access to computers and various sources of information for their classes and a space for completing independent work outside of the classroom.

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Laciia – Libraries are a very important part of any school . We use this library for credit recovery and independent study. So I’m sure students in credit recovery really appreciate this library because it gives them a quiet spot everyday to catch up with their work. As for students in independent study like myself, it gives me a chance to catch on work, to get started on work, and even just clear my head after doing all that work. Overall this library is a significant help to all the students in this school regardless of why they happen to be in here.

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Ryan- The library is a place to take your mind to places your eyes might never be able to see. It is a place to plant a seed of curiosity through books, exploration, creation, and calm. In an educational world where the setting behind the doors of a library rarely provides a safe place, the library can act as a safe place for students to be themselves. Libraries can also be a place to spark a future in a Makerspace or just a place to allow me the calm to write my thoughts down on a page.

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Barb-  I would go broke if I had to purchase all the books I read! Also, librarians are like “Google” in person – if I am ever in doubt, I know I can reach out to a librarian and if they don’t know it, they can easily find out! Teachers use libraries and librarians to help with resources, students use them for research, and both use it as a place for quiet and work.

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Hannah – The library is a place to catch up on school work, to get information, to have a break in between stressful classes. I see my peers, and catch up on forgotten homework. To me the school library is a life-saver, a secondary classroom, a second chance, a pause button, a way to expand my mind and relax my energy.

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Vanessa – the library is a great space to be in for me because i get to finish my class work or anything that i missed throughout the day during school hours with no distractions and also it is a great place to be in if i am interested in getting some books or anything that could help me with the work that i am doing. I also like being in the library because it is my safe space and I love it here.

Joseph- The library is a great place to catch up on homework, as well as learn about different topics, ranging from history to science. It also is a good place to hang out with friends and find like-minded people to help with studying. It provides a temporary relief in students’ busy, stressful days.

Adam- I personally believe that libraries are an amazing place to self reflect and relax. Whenever I enter the library I find a wave of relaxation being placed upon myself and I earn the ability to concentrate. Whether you’re trying to relax, learn something new, or even play board games for a bit with friends; libraries are a great place to do all sorts of things but most importantly to enjoy yourself.

s

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Samantha- I believe that libraries are an important factor for students. This is because it is a safe  place to study our materials, ask questions to help us find information for things that we may be unknown or unconcerned about. As well as having the ability to finish any work needed, so I can do the remainder of the day doing other activities.

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Hallie- Libraries are essential to student life, as they serve as a safe place to study and question. Our library allows us to connect with many forms of knowledge as well as a librarian with connections such as Poetry Out Loud, and the presentation at Columbia University. Libraries are comfortable places, where the staff strives to make sure you have everything you need such as food, knowledge, and other essentials.

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Maria- The library is important for students because they help kids be proactive and help kids work, and provide a comfortable learning space. It allows students and teachers to have one-on-one interaction and open conversation. It also allows study groups to find a place to meet up and study complex material, as well as a great mix of friends, entertainment, and reading. Libraries provide access to resources and materials that might not be available or affordable, allowing students to further their learning, understanding, and research.

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Lauren- In my opinion, libraries in schools are important. They provide kids like me to be able to expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and work ethic without having to ask their parents to take them somewhere. The library is also known as a safe haven for a lot of kids, which I would say is very important in a time where everything around them is very hectic and unpredictable. So yeah, libraries are cool to have and definitely should not be taken away from impressionable young people who may receive actual knowledge without the use of the internet.

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Kylee f.- I like being In the library in the afternoon, and in the mornings because it is a quiet, big space where I can be productive and catch up on work without being around so many people at once. Taking this place away from people in my school would have a massive negative effect, as many Just like me would lose a study space, productivity in most if not all students, and loss of a safe place in the school for all to be. I love the library as a place to relax with my friends, and find more opportunities for my art career, not only for me, but also for my art friends

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Jailyn P.- The library is a safe place for me. I come to the library to escape all that is going around in the school and get some peace and quiet in order to complete my work. I also eat my lunch in the library, because with my social anxiety I know the library is always quiet and not full of many people at one time. The library allows me to be productive with my time and wind down after a long day/class. Without the library we would lose a place where many kids are able to come and get their work done or just to get away from all the jam packed, loud classrooms and hallways. The library is always overlooked, but in reality is a major help to some.

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Olivia M- Libraries give me a place to relax and sit down. I can do my work in peace if needed, hang out with friends before classes start so I can see them, and read books that interest me or help me in my studies. While lots of people think libraries are boring and quiet and just for books they couldn’t be more wrong. Libraries are fun and lots of cool things can happen! I’ve met many people who I can now talk to just because of libraries alone. Wonderful things happen at libraries people just need to appreciate and possibly come more and they can see just how much libraries give to the community and help individuals.

Olivia A – The library is a safe place. Acting as an almost euphoric escape from reality, one can have a comforting place to return when the busyness and bustle of the day catches up with one. The library is also a resource rich sanctuary, in which one can open a book or power on a computer without compensation to discover the true answer they are in search for.

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Yasmin – The library is important to our mental well being as well as educational well being. The library is full of many resources such as computers, novels, local news, and more. Even for my own class it is very useful to be able to come to the library to check out a book instead of having to buy one or drive to another library as many students may not have the access to travel to other libraries. The library also provides a safe space to wind down, having my independent period in the library helps to prevent burnout and have more energy to be proficient in my other classes for the rest of the day. Even at the library I have a chance to catch up on work that I don’t have time to do at home due to extracurriculars, sports, work, etc.

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Alvaro- The library is important because I can relax and do my homework or assignments in peace and have extra time in my house for other activities.

Valente – Schools should have a bookstore because it is a place where students can meet and learn more about culture and information and learn about different perspectives and also because it allows members of the school community to forge critical thinking and effectively use information in any format. and means of communication.

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Mrs. Fisher- Our library is a vital part of our school community because it not only provides the obvious support that most offer, but also provides so much more. It is a safe haven for some of our strugglers, provides academic intervention and tutoring, and a place to spend time with others beyond the classroom setting. I have seen the value of libraries change and instead of quelling them they need to be expanded and embraced. In a society that is losing its connection, the library is doing the opposite and reinvigorating that connection.

Information on how the latest collective of growing resources for Delaware patrons is being made available – coming shortly – stay tuned!

We have some great comments for Drop Everything and Read Day, April 12th!

Take a Look:

Mickie – Well Harry….my favorite books are anything by Lisa Gardner or others similar to her. My favorite position is upright in a rocking chair (2nd is jumping into bed and getting flat to read before sleep…a newer habit I love and CANNOT MISS at this point. Looking forward to others’ DEARs. Happy reading.

Connie – My favorite book is whatever I’m presently reading which is ‘And There Was Light – Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle’ author Jon Meacham. It is a very in depth history of Lincoln and the Civil War. I love to read on and off all day in my recliner.

(From Mickie) – @Connie I love John Meacham. I used to watch him all the time on MSNBC. I had to stop news watching for awhile so I miss him. He’s a good guy. Enjoy your read!

Joanna- Every day is drop everything and read at our house haha. But my favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird followed closely by 100 Years of Solitude. I like to read at the beach under an umbrella, but really anywhere will do.

Lynne-

My favorite reading space.

Hailey- My favorite book right now is Klara and the Sun

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/02/971851192/klara-and-the-sun-asks-what-it-means-to-be-human.

My favorite place to read is on the couch, criss cross apple sauce, with my dog stretched out beside me.

Harry – I have to tell you- lately, I have been on a Environmental reading kick, and currently reading –

Nature’s Fortune

and

Troubled Water

Favorite place? I would say next to being at the beach reading I LOVE reading in bed with cats on either side, by a fire. My favorite. 🙂

Read on! and celebrate School Library Month in April – let your representatives, senators, and school administration know how important this is to have in your school!

When I heard this amazing podcast

about how fast it all goes by – so much came to mind:

“Mary Louise Kelly on her memoir ‘It. Goes. So. Fast. The Year of No Do-Overs’ “

The cars that refuse to go less than 80 degrees per mile on my bumper at 6:30 AM, the afternoon, in the evening on Atlanta Road and refuse to understand when I am behind them at the next stop sign, their passing me on a double line lane did not matter at all – and saved them a whole 2 minutes and jeopardized their and others lives…

The refusal to accept life as easygoing and to catch up with people over pushing higher, pushing for more status, more money, more more more…basically not being able to get off the hamster-wheel so many businesses see merit in their version of success…

The complaints that come from many people not used to a get to know your neighbor first, deal with business later, laid back approaches that can be found in Delaware, Mexico City, and a few other choice places versus the GO Go Go feel of larger cities?

It all goes back to – Rushing is highly overrated – and life shortening – I LOVE the themes that were emphasized in this amazing podcast.

Jane Austen’s adapation, known as Emma, coming to Woodbridge High! In knowing this, there are some things you need to be aware of:

1. It will be impossible for you to not sing along to some of some musical scores you will know from simply being alive.
2. You will be surprised at the quality, power, and depth of some of the actresses’/actor’s voices.
3. This is a production you would not normally out on your HAVE TO SEE list and yet, you walk away realizing, there is a deeper, moral story that goes right alongside the trendy, chic topics you see throughout the set.
4. It is easy to take the pit and orchestra for granted. Don’t – quality score accompanying this show.
5. It is still unreal to see so many new faces involved in Drama this year, and better yet, pay attention to the names in the program that have come BACK to help – this makes the depth of this production even more powerful.
6. Let me know if you are suprised by the last number on stage, I was and it is GREAT in a variety of ways based on what we have experienced as students, faculty, and schools across the world.
7. Don’t forget to catch tonight at 7 or Sunday, only two chances, but this will stick in your memory for a vareity of reasons!

…Survive? …Live? …Stay sane? …Get through my first hour? …Get to all the essential tasks I am repsonsible for as a librarian AND maintain a sense of direction and organization in a single day?

All of these questions and more we plan to address in April, which contains the following tags:

April – School Library Month

National School Librarian Day – April 4th

National Library Week – April 23-29

National Library Workers Day – April 25th

National Library Week 2023, April 23-29, will be celebrated with the theme “There’s More to the Story.”

Right to Read Day – April 24

National Outreach Library Day – April 26

Take Action for Libraries Day – April 27

There are MANY unknown facts that exist in talking with students in March – many topics that people IN school as well as OUT of school are unaware of. We have touched upon what happens in a typical day of a school library:

But let’s take today:

and this truly was JUST getting me to noon. Trying to complete the requirements for a Component Five requirement in our state amid ALL the above on top of that – let’s take this a step further-

There are school districts that have, if they are lucky, ONE certified librarian in their district, some have not one single one. Trust me on this, this is the same phrase as common as “I think the dog ate my homework” – having a certified librarian with an Information Science Degree MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

(things like information behavior (e.g., how do people realize their need for information, choose their information resources, access those resources, express their need in ways the resource understands,

sift good information from bad, and use that information?),

and metadata,

and faceting,

and the ethics of fair use.

Learning about special libraries (which I’d never even heard of before),

cataloging schemes (which I thought I’d hate, but actually loved for its complexity),

and embedded librarianship JUST TO NAME A FEW!)

We know for a fact many dispute and disagree with this fact, so we have been asking students all month about the things certified librarians provide to them all month and we have obtained the feedback – and will be sharing these details with you all month in April to bring you in the know.

While Delaware does NOT have a ceritified librarian master’s degree program, we are lucky enough to have a certification program for the librarian track in the state out of the Univeristy of Delaware, and we are realizing, something has to give – to allow more:

-certified and Masters Degree librarians to be allowed to go to several Professional Developments during the scholl year that relate to their individual profession

-school libraries, all school libraries, to be a part of the unit count when it comes to an offical librarian in their school

-schools AND districts to contain at least one certified librarian in their whole district, but to realize that is not enough to service the needs of a studen population in a district

-reductions of instances where libraries are not having the life squeezed out of exisiting certified librarians by not providing a budget, – it is true- there are librarians that have not had a budget for YEARS and then think – the library is deemed obsolte, and this is an easy way to justify removing thelibrary due to not being relevant – um- DUH! – you can imagine the age of the books in the library without being given and allowed to have access to a yearly budget just for maintaining the very services stiudents need to tie in to ALL their subject areas!

-school librarians to assume the role of a legitimate SCHOOL LIBRARIAN and not be simply a cover for teaching classes all day not related to research, librarianship, and connections to classes

-scenarios where quality paraprofessionals in the library are paired with a certified librarian

-instances where public libraries work and collaborate alongside school libraries and librarians

Don’t worry. We have the stories that have been compiling for a long time to bring the public up to an awareness level of what needs to be happening in schools with your school library, all month long in April. We are counting on you to take these stories and question, support, advocate, and push for reforms that will move Delaware, currently listed as 46th out of 51 states (counting D.C. as the 51st state)

*FTE stands for – Full Time Equivalent

out of the basement and into the main floor of what students, faculty, admin, and parents deserve – but this can only be done with you being made aware, you supportng the move from the basement to the top floor.

We look forward to April to create a wave of awareness of things you did not know about your school library, and use your voice to help us all make the move forward – from our state to another!