THE LOCK IN

Ann Richards School

Friday, Feb. 8  6:00-8:00

Shawn invited me (and Emerson) to attend their minnon lock in.  A time honored ARS library tradition, the student helpers, love to spend the night in the library!  They each brought lots of snacks and goodies to share, while Shawn ordered pizza and drinks.  Then the students used the time to bond, chat, do karaoke, laugh, sing, tell secrets, play games, watch movies, and a few read books in the corner—but seemed to be happy to be surrounded by all the chaos.  Emmy was in heaven.  Surrounded by so many big girls!  Middle school girls!  They even asked her what she was reading.  She was proud to say that she liked “Sophie” books and she was reading “June B. Jones” at the moment.  The girls all recognized these titles and said how much they had liked them when they were her age.  I think Emmy felt like a rock star and was very happy to know that her reading choices were validated.  Meanwhile I was impressed that the students were so kind to her and acknowledged her presence and invited her into their bubble.  They really are such sweet girls.  The night was less about library “work” and more about spending time with the students – which I really appreciated.  I feel like I haven’t been getting out into the library and meeting as many students as I would like.  And I definitely feel like I’d like to do more library instruction and reader advisory.  But I am keeping my eyes and ears open.  Whenever I hear students talking about books that they love or asking Shawn or Mellen for more reading suggestions—I take note of what the students like and what the librarians suggest.  It also makes me think that I need to really focus on my Young Adult Reading list! So I will be able to speak their language and really understand the titles that they love to read.