PASSIONATE ABOUT SCHOOL LIBRARIES
It’s a question I absolutely love. “How did you get into working in school libraries and is that something I can do?”
Working in a school libraries is the best job in the world (I’m biased, but just try and prove me wrong!). Yet becoming someone who works in a school library is a path shrouded in mystery. I know I certainly didn’t realise it was an option that was open to me until much later on in my search for a career that felt right and fit me.
Another month of professional learning is heading your way. What are you in the mood to learn about? AI? Strategic planning? Immersive reality? There is something for all school library staff. Enjoy.
If you are a follower of my website (thank you, for that, it means a lot), you might have noticed that I haven’t really been posting much for a while. It seems around late 2023 I started to slow down a lot with my writing and sharing. There were a few reasons. The first was we had just undertaken a massive and extensive move into our new library space. The new build process was sadly not one I enjoyed. Everything was a fight to be listened to and so many opportunities were lost and missed due to lack of collaboration. I literally cry over the stupid shelves we were provided by the architects. But I digress. My focus turned to just achieving everything that I needed to achieve in the work day and it had become all consuming. My time for writing and energy for that diminished. That has continued into this year with more change and more challenges at work.
Professional learning. There is something so powerful being in the space to learn. Maybe it’s having that break from the routine of work, or finding time to engage with something you enjoy or want to know more about. Maybe it’s being invigorated by connecting with others or learning something new that you know will impact how you work and the people around you. Professional learning is something that really helps me to re-centre myself in good practice, refocus on what I want to achieve and motivates me to keep going. It’s funny, because professional learning is also something I seem to drop when I so desperately need those three things. So, here’s a list of professional learning ideas and links for school library staff for September 2024. I hope it inspires, re-centres, motivates or refocuses you.
School library budgets – they never go as far as you need them to. Maybe your collection needs an update. Or you have a project you’d like to implement. And then there is the dream of the school library renovation which needs a large chunk of funding. If you aren’t likely to receive the funding or budget you need from your school administration, then it might be time to consider applying for grants. They can be an excellent way to supplement a library budget, purchase specific items or fun an entire renovation.
Lego. It’s one of my favourite things. I adore the Lego story, and have watched documentaries and read books about it. I love Lego itself and enjoy building with it. It is a great way to relax and switch off and be creative. I love the Lego House. I’ve never been, but it’s on my list. Lego is such a versatile tool to have in our libraries. It’s something that can be used as a fun lunchtime activity, for a robotics club, for prototyping designs, for maths, storytelling, there really is no limit to what Lego can do and be in our school library space. Starting a Lego club can be a little daunting. Will anyone come? And how do you get started? Here’s how we’ve done it in our space.
I think there is something magical about professional learning. In this month of Book Week and Australian School Library Day, where we are celebrating that Reading is Magic and that school libraries build brighter futures, it’s the perfect time to dive into some professional learning (even if it feels like we don’t have time for it!!). I hope you find a few moments for your own learning in this busy month.
It’s a question I absolutely love. “How did you get into your role and is that something I can do?”
Working in a school libraries is the best job in the world (I’m biased, but just try and prove me wrong!). Yet becoming someone who works in a school library is a path shrouded in mystery. I know I certainly didn’t realise it was an option that was open to me until much later on in my search for a career that felt right and fit me.
It’s almost time for Book Week. The CBCA Book Week is one of the biggest events in the school library calendar. Book Week is a wonderful celebration of reading, Australian literature, school libraries and the people who bring books to children. Australian School Library Day sits in the middle of Book Week and is a great day to celebrate school libraries and how they help support students, reading and the Australian publishing industry.
The theme for Book Week 2024 is Reading is Magic and there is no shortage of ideas for displays, activities, events and ways to celebrate..
It’s a question I absolutely love. “How did you get into your role and is that something I can do?”
Working in a school libraries is the best job in the world (I’m biased, but just try and prove me wrong!). Yet becoming someone who works in a school library is a path shrouded in mystery. I know I certainly didn’t realise it was an option that was open to me until much later on in my search for a career that felt right and fit me.
© 2024 Madison's Library
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑
