Library A Week

Bottenfield Elementary School Library

2010 no. 21

Library Profile

Library Name: Bottenfield Elementary School Library Location: 1801 S Prospect, Champaign, IL 61820 Type: School Mission: The mission of the Champaign Unit #4 School District, in partnership with the community, is to guide all students in gaining knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to direct their lives, improve a diverse society, and excel in a changing world by providing dynamic, resource-rich learning environments and experiences in which people and lifelong learning are valued. Library Website: http://www.champaignschools.org/library LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/yln.html LTLS Member Since: 1986   An interview with Librarian, Patricia Plaut.

What is unique about your library?

For the size of our school, we have a large collection. In the last four years, I have worked on adding to the emergent reader non-fiction collection, as well as, the non-fiction collection, and both have increased. I do my best to keep up with the materials that both students and teachers are asking for. We are also very lucky to have a large number of parent volunteers that help the library run smoothly.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

My main goal is to serve students' needs and interests, as well as the staffs' needs. One of my mini goals has been to fill in the gaps of the non-fiction collection, especially keeping up with new materials.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I work with 5th grade social studies and science teachers on research papers.  This past year I worked with 2nd grade language teachers and did a prefix/suffix unit. I work with all grade level teachers as projects and units come up that require research. We partner with the Champaign Public Library for Monarch Awards, and Battle of the Book. We recently had Betsy Hearne do an author visit, and have people come in from the community and read to the students.

Tell us a story about your library.

Coming Soon!

If money were no object, what services would you add?

We are very lucky, because the district has plans to double our library space in the next five years. I would like to add more computers, because the four we have in the library, just aren't enough. It would be easier to teach, and have classes in to research with more computers. I would like to have a reading corner that is a quiet spot in the library, which would allow students to come in and read, while other things were going on. Couldn't everyone use a bigger office? Of course I could always use more book money. I feel that my budget is workable and allows basic needs to be met, plus a little extra, but without the PTA I'd be starving.

What is popular in your library?

WorldBooks, art book and graphic novels are the most popular in my library. The popular fictions authors are well liked too, but there are so many right now. The staff really likes the science and social studies books for the curriculum.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

We have a web page. I hope to do a better job of keeping it updated next year. I also do a lot of email with parents.

Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047  -   ltls@lincolntrail.info Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes