Have you ever walked into a new place and felt welcomed immediately – not just by a person, but by the room itself? Over the holidays I visited a school 2500-miles from here that gave me a wonderful feeling of delight and anticipation. While I’ve been in many elementary schools and taught in four of them, this place felt a bit different. Maybe it was because it was a library.
Greeted by colorful walls in school colors of yellow and blue, the low bookshelves allowed me to see across the whole space to the cheerful sayings displayed above the shelves. From the Cat in the Hat declaring “Oh the Places You’ll Go” with a big illustration of the book cover and the book itself to this adage: “So Many Books, So Little Time.” How true that is!
A poster of a huge open book with many butterflies hovering above it included this declaration: “Reading gives your imagination wings.”
A collection of toy snowmen invited the children to “chill out with a good book.” A signpost had arrows pointing to magical lands such as Hogwarts, Narnia, Neverland, 100 Acre Woods and Far Far Away. Have you been to any of these places?
“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book!” Ah! That is good advice for all ages.
“When in doubt, go to the library!” (Of course!)
One of my favorite things in this place was the word of the week challenge. These words come from the books that are being read to the younger children in the school. Some of the books are from a list of nominees for best children’s book in California and children from all over the state who are to vote on their favorite. When a child tells the librarian the meaning of the word, he or she gets a treat. You might think the words would be easy, but try these: nominee, preposterous, magnanimous, nocturnal and exuberant. In the following weeks, the ‘old’ words with their definitions are on display.
On another wall was the declaration: “When you enter this library, you are…readers, leaders, dreamers, creative, thinkers, respected, a friend, loved. You are the reason we are here.” I can imagine that these children from this poorer part of the city, some who are immigrants and move around a lot, would love to be in this library!
- Submitted by Martha Dillard, library volunteer and Barn Quilt artist
Library News:
Volunteers are always welcome. Fill out a volunteer form so that we know what you are interested in and how to contact you.
Historic Treasures of Craig County Photography Contest for youth, teens and adults. Prizes will be awarded, and photos will be displayed. Deadline April 15, 2018. Send entries to craiglibrary@swva.net. If you need help in submitting your photo, please contact the library.
Do you need to register to vote? It’s easy, just inquire at your library!
Book sale and giant community yard sales are being planned for April. If you would like to join in the fun, contact Letha at the library.