My goal was to write this post after my first week, but as you can tell, that didn't happen. Instead, I am going to update you all on my first TWO weeks, during which time I have touched every single book in Darby Elementary's library and I have moved every bookcase that is not attached to a wall.
My excuse for not updating you sooner? I have been asleep on the couch by 7 pm every night. Yep. And I'm not embarrassed to admit that. I'm telling you, getting back in the swing of things, moving bookcases, and rearranging the entire library collection has kicked my butt! BUT after these first two weeks, I can happily begin Winter Break knowing that January will begin with library introductions and my students will finally get their hands on some books!
December 6 began with a tour of the school, during which I was introduced to every staff member at Darby. I felt the warm welcome and even enjoyed the hyped 5th graders as they chanted "books! books! books!" as I was introduced to them during their morning meeting!
(I have to tell you, I did chuckle during this event because my immediate thought was how I have NEVER been greeted with such enthusiasm at the high school level! Gotta get used to this!) Eventually, I was led to my library and let loose!
The first week went by in a blur- I unboxed an order of new books, inventoried them and then began moving shelves to best organize the collection. During that first week, I learned that the library has been closed for the last six months while I was waiting to be hired. The school year prior, the library was run by a long-term substitute, so I knew I had my hands full with transitioning this library and cleaning up a year and a half's worth of library tasks. Teachers were sweet to stop by and check-in, during which they reminded me how eager the students are to get their hands on books. Unfortunately, it took most of that first week to get my DoDEA email set up, so I couldn't access a computer, let alone the library system! By the end of the first week, I had re-organized the nonfiction and everybody (picture book) sections of the library and had started on the fiction section! Whew!
Week two was filled with completing the fiction section, making a new Easy Readers section, and then I spent an entire day genrefying the intense biography section. By Tuesday afternoon, I had the place cleaned up and ready for the staff meeting after school! Wednesday I finally got access to our library system, so I was able to add a huge stack of new books to the collection.
Take a look at these before and after pictures:
To say I'm exhausted is an understatement, but I can't wait to get back after Winter Break and finally get kids in the library! The few students who have stopped by have said the library looks totally different and they leave eager to return, so that's good!
Now bring on this break!!!
--Katie
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