From: Leigh Barnes <lbarnes_at_pittsfield.net>
Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:21:12 -0500

Stacy Dillon wrote: "If parents are not modeling reading behaviours, or kids are in schools where the library is locked when it's not staffed, or there's not a library at all, the value of reading is certainly diminished."

I'm pretty sure this wasn't her main point, but I have to say that if the school library is not properly staffed, i.e. with a certified librarian, perhaps it should be closed. We are having a huge problem with school librarian positions being eliminated and replaced with well-meaning volunteers. This sends the mes sage that what we trained professionals do is unimportant and leads to further degr adation of the library program overall. Of course we want children to have access t o books, so you might think that a volunteer is better than nothing. But school libr arians do much more than just check books in and out; it is the guidance and exper tise of an actual librarian that is going to create the lifelong readers we want, an d school administrators and the public at large needs to hear this message. You g et what you pay for.

Thank you, Leigh Barnes Allendale and Capeless Librarian Pittsfield, MA Public Schools lbarnes_at_pittsfield.net

Library Mission: The Library Media Centers of the Pittsfield Public Schools will encourage , support, and nurture a love of reading, and thereby assist in developing a passion for lifelong learning.
Received on Mon 08 Nov 2010 09:21:12 PM CST