The Impact of School Libraries
“Libraries” by Juliet D., 7th grade
Libraries are important. In a library, there is more than just books there is knowledge. With shelves organized in a section of books, genders, and eras the library is a symphony of intelligence and Imagination. It’s a place where stories come alive where history unfolds and secrets and where the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.
With its resources, the library remains an indispensable cornerstone of any community life and empowers the minds of each visit. Beyond its walls of books lies a lot of resources, accessible to all regardless of background or means. It fosters a love for learning, providing a sanctuary for the curious to explore diverse perspectives and ideas.
In an information age, the library remains a trusted guide, offering curated collections and expert guidance. It levels the playing field, bridging gaps in access to information and technology. Moreover, it cultivates a sense of belonging, serving as a hub for gatherings, discussions, and cultural exchanges. The library is not just a repository of books, but a vital hub of intellectual, social, and personal growth, shaping generations and fostering a brighter, more informed future for all.
To me, school libraries are important cause I need books to know a lot of things. When I was younger, at my elementary school I loved the library. There was no public library to me so used the school library. Every Monday we would go to the library and check out books. It doesn’t matter what my teacher said I would check out 3 books. I couldn’t read but my mom read them to me. She would reread many of them because they were my favorite books. As I got older, I learned how to read. I would always ask my teacher if I could go to the library. As you can see, Now that I have experienced school libraries I say that they are amazing. They have books for your grade level, they are colorful, and some of them have activities. I just really love school libraries.
Resources: School Libraries | Student Success
“The Impact of Being a Student Literacy Leader” by Leticia R., 7th grade
*Note: Leticia is my first student who was a literacy leader for all three years of middle school!
The bell rang, signaling the start of my first day in middle school, a mix of nerves and anticipation. Questions flooded my mind: Would I fit in? Could I keep up with the workload? However, as the days passed, those worries gradually faded away. I found my place, and it was in the library. Despite being the youngest, the only 6th grader, I soon discovered a sense of belonging and started bonding with my peers. The Student Literacy Leader program is a program that provides experience and showed me a good path to follow.
The Student Literacy Leader program is for 7th and 8th graders who want to take charge and make a difference in their school. We work on projects, plan for when authors visit, and come up with ideas to make the library better for everyone. Being a literacy leader means being brave and taking charge, showing everyone what your school is all about.
Being a literacy leader has been a transformative journey for me. Initially hesitant to dive into books, Ms. Moye showed me that reading is open to more than lengthy chapter books. It can be diverse and enjoyable, a source of both entertainment and relaxation. For many years I only read graphic novels, mainly because I was scared of the “what ifs.” In my last months of middle school I decided to dive into pros books, at first I was scared but then I started seeing that all I had to do was try and put my best effort forward. Through my role as a literacy leader, I’ve understood the proper depth and breadth of reading.
The library became my sanctuary, where I expanded my literary horizons, found peace, and made connections. In my 3 years at the library I have made friendship that I never thought I would need in life, some friendships from my very first year until my last year, and all of them I kept in touch. Connecting through not just books but classes, projects, and personal experience is the best feeling ever! It’s remarkable how literature has the power to unite people and make friendships.
A lot of people ask, “Why did you choose this class?” Being A literacy leader means everything to me! It’s given me opportunities that I would never be able have. I got to meet award winning authors, create special connections and learn about the literary. Being a SLL helps me to stay on track with my grades and make sure that I am always representing my school in the best way possible. I wouldn’t change this experience that I received for anything!
And all of this would not be possible without Ms. Moye allowing us to have this elective. By allowing students to make decisions about the library teaches them responsibility and demonstrates how much we care about and love our school. I believe that if this program were to continue in high school, it would provide a safe space for students to connect with each other.
In my final year, I’m determined to spread my love for reading to others. Being a literacy leader means more than just promoting literacy; it’s about inspiring a passion for reading and helping others find joy in books. I’m grateful for this experience, and I’m sure anyone who joins this program next year will have an incredible time too.
“Author Visits” by Lauren Q., 7th grade
Author visits are something that I am very lucky to have experienced every year since I started middle school. They are very fun to have, and it is also very interesting to hear our authors tell their stories. At HCMS we help the kids get excited about the author visits. Our literacy leaders make posters to put around the school, and kids in art make drawings that we hang up around the library. And during our author visits our students can interact and ask questions. But the author visits can teach us valuable lessons once we really sit and reflect on it. They teach us to never give up even when things are rough. Also never give up on something you are passionate about because it can lead to something wonderful.
This year we welcomed Newbery Medal winner Jerry Craft to our school. His visit was very fun but also very inspiring. He was telling us about how it was a hard journey to get to where he is now, but after all of that he didn’t give up he kept trying to pursue his dream. And all of that hard work paid off because now he is a Newbery Medal winner. Last year we had Christina Diaz Gonzalez who won the Edgar Award come to our school . She talked about being from a Hispanic background while being in the U.S. She talked about her experiences in some of her books. She is very inspirational because no matter how you grew up, different backgrounds, if you work hard enough you can achieve anything. This is why I am so thankful for the author visits because they teach us so many valuable lessons that we take and can use on a daily basis.
Thank you so much to my student voices today and their look at how the literacy program at our school, and libraries in general, affect them!
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