Library A Week

Riddle Elementary School Library

2011 no. 11

Library Profile

Library Name: Riddle Elementary School (JNR) Location: 4201 Western Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938                    Type: School Mission: to meet the needs of students, staff, and school curriculum. Website: http://www.mattoon.k12.il.us/ LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/jnn.html Member Since: 2003 An interview with Jennifer Muzzy, Library Media Specialist.

What is unique about your library?

We are unique in that we have a “twin” library on the other side of town.  In 2003 six older small schools were combined into two new large schools with identical floor plans.  Whenever I visit our sister school Arland D. Williams Elementary it is so interesting to see how we are so much alike, yet have so many differences.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

We are here to create an inviting atmosphere that students and staff want to visit.  With such a beautiful space, this was easy.  We support the curriculum in all subject areas, supply material for pleasure reading, and assist teachers.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I work closely with Peggy Burton, librarian at Williams Elementary, to align our library curriculum. This assists with students that move between our schools.  We have a 20% mobility rate.  She and I also conduct a Battle of the Books program for our 4th and 5th grade students in which students can join a team, read from a list of twenty books, and enter an competition to see which team can answer the most questions about those books.  Our 2011 competition takes place on March 26th, so the kids are getting excited!  We also work together with the children’s department of the Mattoon Public Library to put on a couple of family nights with all of us there, and we strongly advertise their summer reading program!

Tell us a story about your library.

A few years ago, we were fortunate to have Tedd Arnold visit our school and speak to our K-3 students.  He was so entertaining and had all the kids on the edge of their seats.  He left us some drawings that he had done “live” in his presentation.  To this day kids that were there can recognize his art, know right where his books are in the library, and enjoy his art that we have kept hanging in the library.

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

I think it would be neat to have more open library time to conference with kids about what they are reading and help them find the next “just right” book in a one-on-one situation.

What is popular in your library?

Our State Award nominees have been in high demand, as well as the Guinness World Record books and drawing books. The younger students are into Fancy Nancy, Fly Guy, I Spy, and Superhero books while our older kids often ask for scary stories, mysteries, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

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

We are in our second year of offering an online catalog (Follett Destiny) to our students and staff.  Our staff members are very appreciative of being able to look up materials from their classrooms or homes.  We have a subscription for World Book Online and our school district offers United Streaming for staff and and TumbleBooks for our students.

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