“Educators can play important roles to enhance any components of students’ creativity” (Sak 2004). School librarians are no different. School libraries have the staff, resources, and space needed to foster creativity in students and teachers. There are many definitions and… Read More ›
Makerspaces/Learning Commons
Adventures in 3D Printing
As the makerspace craze continues to sweep across libraries nationwide, school libraries are trying to come up with ways to engage students in meaningful makerspace work. This year the majority of my time at the close of the semester has… Read More ›
Makerspace Made Easy
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of setting up a makerspace in your library. If you are an elementary librarian with a fixed schedule, you may think that you don’t have the time or the space for a makerspace. Creating… Read More ›
A Reflection on the School Library as a Quiet Place in a Noisy World
We all know the stereotype of a mean librarian. She (always a she, naturally) wears her hair in a severe bun, she never smiles, and she peers at noisy students over her horn-rimmed glasses. She probably hates kids, and she… Read More ›
Building Strong Communities
During April we specifically celebrate School Library Month, but also in April is National Library Week (April 7-13, 2019) where all kinds of libraries get in on the celebrating. As school librarians my co-librarian and I generally focus on the… Read More ›
Research Ambassadors
In my school, third graders reign supreme. The school consists of three grade levels: first, second, and third. There are approximately 225 students enrolled in each level, so it is a fairly large school. For most people, it is difficult… Read More ›
Read Across America in the Middle School
Read Across America is an annual event that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. Most elementary schools celebrate in a variety of ways, including: Allowing students to… Read More ›
Digital or Analog Journaling and Planning: A Perfect Activity for Today’s Student
Have you heard of bullet journals? The system has been around for a while, but it has morphed into a huge movement of both digital and analog planners. Ryder Carroll developed the Bullet Journal system, and you can read more… Read More ›
Libraries Welcome All Families: Makerspace Mondays!
The AASL/ALSC/YALSA Interdivisional Committee on School and Public Library Cooperation is now focusing its work on equity, diversity, and inclusion projects that include library partnerships. This blog post is the first in this new series. By Carrie Sanders The YALSA… Read More ›
Fun and Facilitation
The wood piece falls from my hand. I pick it up, put it in the clamp, and saw away at the block until the blade slices through the remaining attached fibers and one piece becomes two. I have thirty minutes… Read More ›