Recently, I have had the good fortune to spend some time in high school libraries. My, have they changed, and for the better. Most look like mini Barnes and Nobles with coffee bars and plush chairs and sofas. It is so refreshing to see students actually using the library resources and enjoying them.
My memories of school libraries are not so positive. When I was in junior high (that in itself dates me since most are now middle schools) I was a “student library assistant” which meant I got the unenviable task of putting books back in their proper shelving assignment, all the while not being able to talk to any of my friends. Nobody was allowed to talk. At the time I thought the librarian was probably a mute because all that ever came from her pursed lips was a SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Of course, for added emphasis she put her index finger to those ruby red, wrinkled lips and left it there until the last of the shhhhh was complete. This went on the entire class period, and I am positive all day long. If a student so much as whispered he got “the look.”
She looked like the quintessential librarian of the 60’s—prim, proper, white hair in a bun, wearing a shirtwaist dress and patent-leather pumps (AKA shoes). She must have had a miserable life, because not once did I ever see the lady smile. She didn’t like me very much, and it showed. I didn’t like her very much, and it showed.
Part of the trouble was that she didn’t get to “pick” me. My mother was a science teacher at the school and had been for a couple of decades so she had a little advantage in planning my schedule, and I needed another elective. I certainly didn’t want P.E. I already had to lead the calisthenics because otherwise the gym teacher would catch me goofing off. This way if I were up front, she could watch me every step of the jumping jacks way! I hated exercise, and that hasn’t changed one bit in these years since. When some of my friends here on the island started going to the gym at 6:30 in the morning, I told them I wouldn’t join them if it added five years to my life!!! That’s how much I hate exercise.
Anyway, I became the second period assistant which meant that there were a lot of books to shelve from the early morning returns. What I liked least about the library was the Dewey Decimal System. You see, I am very global and I find any “system” confining and regimented. I mean, why not put the books by novels or something easy. If kids want them bad enough they will find them. Besides that makes it more a game, and games for junior high kids are fun.
Looking back, I am certain I probably restocked the shelves a little haphazardly and a little in my own fashion, but forty years later, who notices? Libraries have now changed to be more my style. I still like to read, and I still like to talk. The books on the shelf next to my desk are in no logical order, but I find them just fine. Soon, I will add another one—Keeping Faith. Now where should I place it??
Paragraphs on Padre 
Thanks Cindy for your comments in support of today’s high school library. I know I wouldn’t have been able to work in the libraries we grew up in but I certainly loved the books in them. Even though I am a librarian, my collection at home is in no order at all. It drives some of my colleagues crazy but I like them just the way they are. I’m looking forward to adding your new book to it.
Hey, thanks for keeping up with the blogs. You and other librarians like you are our only hope for renewing a generation of readers. With television and other technology, we have our work cut out. Thanks for doing your part!
When I worked in the library in Stamford I never shhhh’d anyone. We played games and actually shot a video from a chapter in a book. The kids loved it and I did too. But some of the teachers on the other hand didn’t like the noise or the fact that kids could sit however they wanted as long as they were reading.
As to where to place “Keeping Faith”, everywhere!!!!! Can’t wait until we are counting down the days until we can have it in our hands.
I can’t imagine you ever being quiet in a library or otherwise!