Library A Week

Sangamon Elementary School Library

2010 no. 42

Library Profile

Library Name: Sangamon Elementary Library Location: 601 E Main, Mahomet, IL 61853 Type: School Mission: Our goal is for the library to be an inviting, stimulating space that supports children’s literacy development. We hope to foster a love for books and a curiosity for learning that will prepare children to become life-long readers. Website: http://www.ms.k12.il.us/sang/sangamonlibrary/default.htm LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/jtn.html Member Since: 1984 An interview with Amy Webb

What is unique about your library?

Our school houses 426 first and second graders that visit our library once a week for library skill instruction and to check out books. Teachers have access to books, audiovisual resources and equipment, and professional materials. The library also maintains and circulates a literacy library, of well over 18,000 leveled readers that teachers check out for student use in practicing their reading on a daily basis.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our goal is to serve the students and staff of our school. We teach library skills to students and assist them in finding books of interest to them. We also assist teachers in locating resources they can use with their curriculum. A personal goal of mine this year is to update the nonfiction collection, as well as create a new library web page.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I try to connect our library lessons to what teachers are doing in their classrooms. I also enjoy learning about the curriculum and offering resources that teachers can use with their lessons. Having access to a district catalog allows us to find resources our teachers can use that we may not have available in our library. If our district doesn’t have a resource our teachers’ request, I turn to the public library to request resources. Last week we had the opportunity to meet author Debbi Chocolate as part of the Youth Literature Festival in October. Finally, we work with our school’s PTO to have two book fairs a year in the library, which fund library materials.

Tell us a story about your library.

In addition to teaching a love of books and reading, we also teach the students responsibility in the way of taking care of their library books, returning them on time, etc. A few years ago in spite of serious reservations, the librarian allowed a second grade student to take one of our state books with her over spring break as she wanted to learn about the state that she would be visiting. Upon her return she came into the library and very bravely told us that she had lost the book on the plane on the way to Arizona. Several phone calls to the airline from Mom produced no results and the family paid for the book. Two months later, we received a package in the mail from Southwest Airlines containing the lost book and a note from Southwest employees, Margaret and Woody. The look on the student’s face when called into the library for the news was priceless.

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

Space is an issue in our library. Many of the shelves are filled to capacity, so increasing the size of the library would be on my wish list. I also would love to update the nonfiction collection, AV collection, and add to our online resources. Finally, I would like to offer programs that further encourage reading, and additional money to purchase books as rewards or prizes for Family Reading Night or summer reading programs would be exciting.

What is popular in your library?

The kids seem to gravitate towards what they are introduced to in the classroom or the library. For example, one teacher has been reading the “Froggy” books by Jonathan London, so all of her students have been rushing to get those books. “Scared Squirrel” by Melanie Watt, as well as, dragon, princess and fairy books are also popular. For teachers, we had a book breakfast last year to introduce teachers to newly purchased books in the library, and I think the teachers enjoyed the opportunity to see a variety of new resources all at once.

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

Our library web page is one way that teachers, parents and students can access the library resources. We use email to send book lists and other library information to staff. The district library catalog is available to all staff, making it easy to see what resources we have available in our building, and what they can request from another school. Finally, we have a subscription to Discovery Education streaming video that allows teachers to find videos, clips, and pictures to supplement their curriculum. Teachers can also easily share the clips they find with other teachers.

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