CCPS School Library Impact

The elementary school library is consistently a hub of activity and engagement. At both Calvert Elementary School and Chesapeake City Elementary School I cater to students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, imparting essential skills in computer science and information literacy. Each week, students have the opportunity to select and check out books from our carefully curated collection.

Over the past twelve years, I have served as a media specialist in at least two schools annually, having worked in seven elementary schools within the Cecil County Public Schools district. As I transitioned between schools, I have taken the initiative to reorganize and eliminate outdated and obsolete resources and technologies. I maintain a structured yet inviting environment, where students recognize that this library is theirs, and they are encouraged to provide input on the materials they wish to read and access. I honor the preferences of teachers and emphasize the importance of our media center as a collaborative space.

Students experience minimal downtime in the media center. I allocate ten minutes for each class period for them to select and check out a book. If they finish early, they may engage in a self-selected makerspace activity (unplugged). Our makerspace includes Legos, bristle blocks, playdough, shells and coral collected by a former media specialist who enjoyed sailing, seek-and-find puzzles, magazines, and coloring pages. Additionally, we provide manipulatives and fidget toys for students to utilize during this ten-minute period. However, when time is called, all materials must be swiftly cleaned up to allow for the day's lesson.

Some students prefer to spend their time reading a book. All students are expected to treat the media collection with respect and use "browsing sticks" to locate and return books when deciding which ones to borrow.

I train my students to become junior librarians. Being the designated checker, along with an assistant, is a significant responsibility and a highly sought-after position. A "magic finger" selects the student who will be the book checker, who then chooses an assistant to ensure that the correct materials are checked out to the appropriate patrons.

Fifth graders who have applied and been selected assist in distributing our book collection baskets each morning and are learning the intricacies of accurately checking books back in so they can be returned to the shelves for borrowing.

We are focused on learning how to return books properly, show respect in the library, and adhere to our PBIS core values.

I was awarded a grant from the Cecil County Retired Service Professionals Association (CCRSPA) to supplement the resources available in our media center. The new books should arrive shortly. I am using these funds to purchase "scary books," as well as other titles students have requested using our suggestion box. We are particularly in need of graphic novels, but we also want to add to our chapter books. Our students are enthusiastic, lifelong learners who have a passion for reading. They frequently request classics such as "Little Women," "Anne of Green Gables," and "Caddie Woodlawn."