5 thoughts on “Getting outside the library makes us better inside the library

  1. I couldn’t agree more! I have heard excellent book recommendations while out on a run with students, and they always notice (and thank) teachers who come to their games. Coaching the Academic Team takes me out of the library far more than would be ideal, but getting a sense into the students’ world and learning from their curiosity is priceless.

  2. Thank you, Shelagh, for these great reminders! I’ve been at this for a while and perhaps because of that I’ve lost track lately of keeping up with kids outside library and classroom time. You’re right–games, assemblies, and student performances are so much fun and often the best way to get to know our fabulous kids. Thanks again. 🙂

  3. This is a great reminder that in our busy lives, showing up matters. It’s so easy to let attending events outside of the library slide when there never seems to be enough time between work and our personal lives. One of my goals is to just do it! I always regret not going because students do notice.

  4. As others have commented, I wholeheartedly agree that it is important for us to get out of the library and connect with our students in other meaningful ways. An added benefit, I have found, is that it helps break the stereotype of the stuffy, book-centric librarian. While I have only been at my school for two years, I have noticed an incredible difference in how the students use the library and interact with me and my assistant, because we make the effort to be involved in as much as possible with them outside our space. Thank you for taking the time to write about this!

  5. Yes, yes, yes! I echo the chorus that is lauding this positive reminder. Can I tell you that I chaperoned an 8th grade trip to Six Flags on Friday and prior to the trip, I only knew the names of two of my nine group members? You better believe I know them now! Watching them play, or even better, playing WITH them, gives me that “I can’t believe I’m being paid to do this” feeling and reminds me why I’m so grateful to be a school librarian. I love the work we get to do inside the library, but also love the outside of the library, relationship building. I will also share that while at Six Flags, a dehydrated lady behind me in the hour long line for the Superman ride puked and it hit the back of my Chaco bound feet (mostly clear, but still…). My students will forever be bonded with me over the shared horror and I am certain will feel comfortable coming in to tease…or to talk books, get research help, you know, whatever.

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