On April 6th, 2015, I began my adventure as a school librarian. I realize now that it is a few weeks past the 1 year mark, but holy cow. Time goes by. Most of my time is spent battling the fact that I'm still a kid, while trying to remain a responsible adult around the students. This job is so fun. Every day I walk into this building not knowing what could happen. Most of the time, the new experiences are positive, sometimes they are not. They are, however, still new experiences and I must take them as a way to learn. I'm happy to say that after 1 year, I'm finally getting the hang of things. This school year has been much more successful for me not only because I am building experience but it directly correlates with the fact that the support system within my workplace has gotten stronger. Last year, although I was only in place for 3 months, there was a member of staff who worked within the library, who basically never came to work. This year, that person is no longer in the school and we have two teachers who have taken their spot. It feels awesome knowing that if a student needs help, they can always speak with those two staff members. Those 3 final months of the last school year were very tough on me, considering I had never worked in a school before and there were some students who needed a lot of care. Many days I would cry out of nowhere in the middle of the day, or freak out on the way home. I'm happy to report that that hasn't happened this year!
The thing I'm most proud of during this year is the fact that I've gotten to know every students name, sibling, likes, dislikes, class schedules etc. On many occasions, staff members have come looking for names for information on students and I've been able to help every time. One thing I can work on would be approaching students quicker. At times, the library can get pretty busy, loud or crowded. I need to be on the look out for students who aren't in class, who may be sick, feeling low or lost. Although they may look as though they don't need anyone to talk to, I want to be able to approach them right away so they know someone does care about their well being.
Running the yearbook committee has allowed me to get to know some students outside of school hours. This has helped me in the workplace because I've been able to bond with some students, and these students now respect and trust me. Although sometimes I lose some sleep from volunteering or even losing sleep over my mind running with ideas for the yearbook, I come to work knowing that I'm doing something great. It also helps that my partner coaches and is involved in a lot of school events, so we work as a team. Next year, I hope more students take yearbook seriously, so that they too can volunteer for events. I will be sad to miss out on some events though!! The book is almost finished as we only have 8 weeks left of school. It's been a wonderful learning experience. I'm starting to think of themes for next years book already!
I was lucky enough to order tons of new books for our classrooms and library over the past few months. The most popular books lately seem to be graphic novels. The library has all sorts of graphic novels that the students really seem to enjoy. Whether it's about teen troubles, war, or anime, it's flying off the shelves! During the day, I spend a lot of my free time researching, mostly through blogs or reading teacher resources on behavior etc. I also do a lot of crafts. The kids and some staff members now see me as an "artistic" person even though I've never been able to call myself that. It's awesome when people come asking for favors to draw certain things or think up different design options for projects and so on. My library is FULL of things I've drawn or remastered. I hate empty walls! My all time favourite activity in the library still remains reading to students. Today, my afternoon will be jam packed full of little ones waiting at the carpet for me to come and read a book with them. It's always cool when they come to me afterwards saying "I'm taking home the book you read to us today!"
As for my life outside the library- Back in September, I decided to apply for my masters degree in Library and Information Studies (yes, I do not have that yet I am still working here and doing a fine job!) and in March, I was not accepted for the program. It was a huge blow but I know that maybe it isn't for me. Maybe something else will come along that I will need to work towards. Who knows what is in the cards for me. (funny to say that, just before the bad news, a friend of mine read my tarot cards and negative news was in the cards!) On the plus side, my partner and I went on an awesome trip down to Arizona and back up through Colorado. We called ourselves "Spring Break Geological Tourists" because we were basically looking at mountain ranges and rocks the entire way. The most amazing part of the trip would have been how drastic the landscape changes through Arizona and New Mexico. It was breathtaking 100% of the way (even through Wyoming!) and it was always exciting not knowing what was around every turn. Those are my favourite types of trips. Our next trip is to Minneapolis to see the Jays vs. Twins on May Long! After that, CHURCHILL!!!
8 more weeks until 2 months without these kids. I'm going to miss them! I hope all school librarians out there are gearing up for a busy two months!
Jennie
