Shibumi has been exploring the possibility to look a fresh
at the functioning of the library. We have no dedicated librarian and to keep
the the library alive is now the collective responsibility of all the teachers,
students and some parents who have plunged in.
What is the intent
of the library?
It is a demand for
awareness: Of the collection. Of the various aspects of use; of the joys
of reading; Of the nature of the library; Of the care inherent in its smooth
running; Of the necessity of individual and collective responsibility,
ownership, active involvement and accountability.
We are coming to
understand and enter into this intent, and things are happening without
tremendous effort or confusion.
One of the ideas
to keep the library alive was to have a dedicated day to bring attention to the
library and celebrate it. Once in two months perhaps. When we brain stormed about all
the activities we would like to do on such a day, the ideas were many.
We recently had our first library day. Four students (Sidh,Asba,
Varun and Yash) took interest in organising the day and it would not have
happened without them.
We started the day with storytelling for the different groups of
students.
The entire school then met up to listen to book talks by a parent,
teacher and student. This was wonderful, and the books were borrowed as soon as
the book talk ended!
We then played the ‘book buddy’ game. Where each of us at school
suggested a book to our buddy (chosen by picking a chit). So each one of us
ended up borrowing a book on library day!
Following this, the entire school was split into three stations.
-
Book
Repair Station
-
Book
review station
-
Posters
station- to encourage the love for reading.
This turned out to be great fun and lots of informal talking about
books happened, sharing stories, books, and even reading while at the stations.
We ended the day by filling in a ‘library questionnaire’ that the library
committee (consisting of students, parents and teachers) put together.
All in all, it was a warm start to something we want to see happen
more through the year.
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