Mrs. Gick's Library


Last week in this space I wrote about two uncomfortable experiences I had while visiting libraries. But I’ve presented in dozens of school and public libraries over the last six months, and the vast majority of those visits have been wonderful. So this week I’d like to talk about the value of libraries. I’ll illustrate my point with a story about a typical library visit.

On December 9th I spent the day with Sherry Gick at Rossville Middle/High School. The library wasn’t the biggest one I’d seen, or the newest, or the fanciest. If anything, it looked a little tired. Until the students came in, that is. I’ve never seen a group of teens more excited about reading, their library, or their librarian.

The book discussions over lunch were non-stop and so varied as to be dizzying. We didn’t just talk about my book, ASHFALL—we covered Cashore, Collins, Shusterman and a host of paranormal romance authors I haven’t read. I finally wolfed my cold slice of pizza during the passing period after lunch.


This is what a great library does: It develops passionate readers. How does Mrs. Gick achieve this? Even in my brief time there, I noticed a few things. First, the library is laid out like a bookstore. Fiction is separated by genre—science fiction, paranormal romance, realistic fiction, etc. Big, inviting signs hang over each section. The books all have their original covers, and some of them are faced out. There are paperbacks available for those who prefer them. And the first thing you see as you walk in isn’t a row of computers; it’s a book display on the counter of the library desk. (The computers are around the corner to your right.)

But even more important than the physical layout of the library is its emotional tone. The first question students hear isn’t, “Do you have a pass?” it’s something more like, “How are you doing today, Todd?” One girl told me she volunteered to work in the library during 7th period because it helped her wind down after a stressful day of classes. That she loved the library because it felt “safe”—her word, not mine. Another student told me about coming to Mrs. Gick for assistance with a disturbing and thorny issue with another teacher, and how Mrs. Gick had helped her resolve it. These teens have so much trust in their library and librarian that they feel comfortable asking anything. During our discussion of ASHFALL, one student wanted to know about my use of the term “spooning”—did that mean Alex and Darla were having sex? As I listened to the question, I expected raucous laughter and teasing. Instead, her question was met with nods and some embarrassed glances. What followed was a thoughtful discussion about the definition of spooning and the role of sex in ASHFALL—why it wouldn’t have been appropriate for Alex and Darla to have sex in the scene under discussion, and whether it was appropriate at all.

By all measures—books circulated, computers used, and classes taught—Mrs. Gick’s library and thousands like it are excelling. But both school and public libraries across the country are facing devastating budget cuts. Between 2000 and 2008, the per-student funding available for school library materials fell 31% in the U.S. It’s not that we lack money for education. Between 2002 and 2008 we increased spending on standardized testing by 160%. Overall education spending increased 21% between 2000 and 2005. Why do we starve libraries while throwing bushel baskets of money at testing companies like McGraw-Hill? The short answer is that McGraw-Hill has better lobbyists than the American Library Association. (Which industry do you think spent more on lobbying in 2011—defense or education? If you guessed defense, you’re wrong.)

Library funding is being cut despite a long and rich history of studies linking school libraries to student achievement. But the most important way libraries matter isn’t measurable in studies. It’s the things librarians like Mrs. Gick do—creating passionate readers and providing students a safe place to reflect and learn. 

Let’s spend more time and money on what works—reading, libraries, and librarians—and reduce the amount of time and money wasted on standardized tests. Every student deserves a library like Mrs. Gick’s.

p.s. If you’re interested in having a day of presentations at your school or library like the one I did at Mrs. Gick’s school, I’m offering them at no charge in 2012 and for a nominal fee in 2013.  There’s more information here

Mrs. Gick and me

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30 comments:

Unknown said...

I love reading posts like this one. Our town hasn't had a public library for awhile now (plans to construct one are in the works), so students have missed out considerably on after school and after hours book enjoyment. Funding is scarce, and I wish as much attention to *reading* and *books* as it is to chain stores and restaurants.

LM Preston said...

We have plenty of local libraries and I've been lucky to be supported by them. They are where my kids like to hang out and do their homework. I like to go there and pick up books and my son even sees his tutor there.

Unknown said...

that's lovely. Libraries will always be my second home. I grew up in them, and I HATE that we're defunding so many.

Natalie Aguirre said...

We have a great public library but I've noticed the budget cuts. They don't buy as many of the new popular YA books I want to read. Like Kiersten White's Paranormalcy took a year to be offered at the library. Thankfully they just got yours in and I was first on the list to get it. Can't wait to read it.

Kay said...

I love our middle school library and librarian. We (our librarian and teachers) are turning kids onto reading despite the negative pressures of standardized testing. We'd love to invite you to our library and readers!

Sherry said...

Thank you for such an awesome article about me and my library. My students are the best around! We can't wait for you to visit again! :)

Unknown said...

@Jenn I don't think you're allowed to call the place you live a "town" until you've finished your public library. The proper term for library-less burgs is "random collection of homes." :)

@Natalie Hope you enjoy ASHFALL!

@Kay I'd be delighted to visit. I love meeting readers! There's more info at the link at the bottom of my post.

@Mrs. Gick Thanks for hosting me. It was a fun day, and obviously one that stuck with me.

Leah (aka Mary_not_Martha) said...

I loved this article and the backlink to the previous article on library experiences. I saved a copy too - for my future library. Hopefully I will be a "Mrs. Gick" to my students as well. Love the layout idea too!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Leah. I hope you become another "Mrs. Gick" too! We need more librarians like her.

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