Library A Week

Barkstall Elementary School Library

2011 no. 19

Library Profile

Library Name: Barkstall Elementary Location: 2201 Hallbeck Drive, Champaign, IL 61822 Type: School Mission: It is our goal to prepare each student to become a responsible participant to our diverse, changing society. LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/yln.html Member Since: 1986 An interview with Lynn Eckstein.

What is unique about your library?

We really try to incorporate technology with reading. We have a smart board and use it to present the Blue Stem and Monarch books. We are also on a balanced calendar, which gives our students year round check out. For a long time, many of our students lived in unincorporated areas and the school library was their only source for books. We believe that the balanced calendar also helps promote continuous reading.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our main goal is to meet the needs of the students and faculty. We also try really hard to match students with the right book to get their love of reading started. We want our students to have materials that meet the curriculum needs, as well as materials they can read for entertainment.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

I am always working with teachers and making sure the reference books they need for class are together and ready. I work with 2 teachers and we do a comprehensive book study with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. We read the text to the students and they listen. Then they have a sheet where they synthesize and answer questions. We read some of the Monarch titles to K-2nd graders, and we hold a contest for the Blue Stem award books.

Tell us a story about your library.

We have lost 2 teachers to cancer and their families have donated memorials to the library. Our courtyard got revamped; we build a pergola and added a reading bench for the students. It is a beautiful area for students to enjoy. The other memorial left a set of books for teachers to use with small groups. We made a cozy corner where they are shelved.

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

We would love to get new furniture that fit the kids better, and add a more comfortable feel to the library. We would replace some of the heavily used books and get new formats like PlayAways and ebooks. I would love to have a full time clerk that would allow me more one on one time with the students and offer more services like a book club.

What is popular in your library?

Our graphic novels fly off the shelves!

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

We have our own online catalog and teachers email me requests

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