The first day that the library opened, I went around to each of the classes in the school with my school’s principal. We showed them some examples of the types of books and resources available—everything from comic books to novels to dictionaries and exercise practice books. We explained to them how the library would function, and how the books should be treated—don’t sleep on them, don’t sit on them, don’t write on the pages! Students are allowed to check out the books for one week at a time. We have also chosen among the school two students to act as librarians. They’re at the tops of their class—very capable, dynamic kids, quick learners, and passionate about the functionality of the library. Next year, students will pay a small resource fee (less than the price of the cheapest book!) so that the school will be able to purchase more books and provide even more for the hungry minds of our students.
In the days after the library opened, I taught class as normal. I’d be writing a math problem on the board, then turn around only to see kids with their noses in the books! I didn’t quite know what to do. “Faites attention!” I’d say. (Though, secretly, I was overjoyed that they were so eager to read that they didn’t even want to stop for class.)
A thousand thanks are not enough to all my friends and family who donated to this project. My school’s staff and students recognize your generosity, and assure me that the resource room will continue to grow and to benefit students for years to come.
