Our Library Year

Our school  -- as with all schools in Texas -- is now closed for the rest of the year as we all work to slow the spread of Covid-19.

I am now a virtual librarian -- although I have been one now for at least four weeks. 

If I would have known that March 6th was going to be my last day in my library for the year, what would I have done? I cannot be sure. 

It's fitting, though,  that my very last task that day (before kids were dismissed) was hand delivering a book on hold that became available. I took a picture of the book as I walked to deliver it at 3:00 that day. I am glad I did. (Pictured: Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel: THE LOST HEIR BY Tui T. Sutherland & Mike Holmes.) 

Looking back on that day, I feel peace in knowing that I stayed late and gave the library some much-needed attention  (even though we were beginning our Spring Break). As the school emptied, with everyone off to begin their well deserved week of rest and fun, I contentedly organized my workroom, repaired some books, pulled titles for an upcoming display, and straightened up the entire space. Chairs tucked, tables clean, trash picked up, books shelved and put away.  

I left it ready for kids and ready for learning. 

I can still remember my inner peace and quiet joy as I walked around among the shelves, hopeful for a week off, and also excited about activities planned for the rest of March: finishing up our March Book Madness, an event with the public library, etc.

This library - our library- my library - was and is my second home. I’ve spent countless hours there with classes and students - but also alone- thinking, working, and hoping.

The library - as Ranganathan said, truly is a living organism, and as I write this, the library rests and waits -- as all living things must do. 

But the library's librarian? 
She does not rest. 

She continues on digitally, virtually, and with the same hope, but also missing the space and all magic that it witnessed every school day.