ROAR FOR RED READING CHAIR

Welcome to Library Lions interviews Raising a Roar for libraries and the outstanding librarians serving youth in schools and public libraries across the U.S. Please Roar today’s guest Amianne Bailey!

I met Amianne through her wonderful blog Red Reading Chair

and invited her to share about her experiences as a school librarian at Ruby Shaw Elementary. Take it away, Amianne!

Thanks, Janet. This is my fourth year as the librarian at Ruby Shaw Elementary in Mesquite, Texas. We are a K—6^th grade campus with close to 800 students. Our library is on a flexible schedule and is considered the “heart” of our school. While research lessons and read-alouds are occurring, students come in for self-checkout at point of need, so it’s always busy! There is no “shushing” in the Shaw library—it’s a place where learning can be a little loud, chaotic, and lots of fun!

 

 I had our old circ desk ripped out because it was archaic and not kid-friendly for self-checkout, and our district’s carpentry department built this one for me. I’m kind of proud of it.

The Skinny:
My passion is getting kids (and teachers!) excited about reading. I love reading aloud to my students and feeling that magic take hold of them; I know it’s not me—it’s the power of the book. I love “making the match” between book and reader. Basically, I love showing kids how reading and learning can transform their lives!

A Mighty Roar!
To me, it’s all about access. Studies show that the playing field becomes considerably leveled when children have increased access to books. I view libraries as the “leveler” for so many of our kids who do not come for print-rich environments. When we provide access to great books, choice and time to read, and exposure through read-alouds, libraries can change the world!

Library Laughs I actually attended Shaw as a student from 3^rd through 6^th grade and was a library helper, so it has an extremely special place in my heart. I guess it was destiny that I become a librarian! My students find this picture hilarious.

 

Readers. The first one to correctly guess which one of these three girls is Amianne, will win a signed paperback copy of DRAGONSWOOD from Janet, the Library Lions post host. Left to right, is she girl 1, 2, or 3? Just make your guess in "comments" below to win. 

A Lion’s Pride of Programs
We are fortunate to have access to one of the largest digital library collections in the nation! Mesquite ISD has been on the cutting edge of introducing audio and e-books to our students. Rather than worrying about how this technology will impact our libraries, we embrace it and show our students the benefits of both physical and electronic books in our world. I am fortunate to work with such an amazing team of librarians!

Readers Roar  

We recently celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday!

 

 

And we used Face Time to share our writing with other 4^th graders in our district!

 

Book Brag: What three books are hot this year? Why?
Press Here by Henri Tullet is one of the best read-alouds EVER! Who knew pressing dots could be such FUN?!

Postcards from Camp by Simms Taback won the Texas Bluebonnet award, and my students LOVED it when I read it aloud! It is the most requested book in the library right now.

Wonder by RJ Palacio has been the MUST-READ-ALOUD book that my teachers have been sharing with their classes. Most of the 4^th—6^th grade classes have read it and fallen in love with August. We are also signing pledge cards to “Choose Kind” in our school, families, and community.

Author! Author!
Two years ago, we had Marc Brown visit our school, and it was the BEST DAY of my librarian life. He graciously signed hundreds of books and did a fantastic presentation for the students about his own writing process. I will NEVER top that. Perfection. (These pictures were taken before our library makeover).

 

 

Library Lion’s Roar: ONE LAST BIG ROAR

My Red Reading Chair blog has been nominated by the Texas Association of School Librarians for the MVP award (Media and Virtual Presence). I will find out in April at the TLA conference if it “wins.” I am also presenting at TLA. My presentation is called “Putting a New Face on Your Library,” and I will talk about cost-effective ways to spice up the physical décor, atmosphere, and virtual image of your library.

These sweet faces represent why I have the best job in the world!

 

Let’s Link:

Blog Red Reading Chair 

Shaw Library Website:

Thank you for showcasing the terrific library programs Shaw Elementary, Amianne. We love your Red Reading Chair blog and will be popping by to read it again soon!

Love Libraries? Give a Roar in “Comments” below.

Note to Librarians: If you’re a Youth Librarian working in a school or public library we’d love to hear about you and your library. Contact Janet at jlcarey@hotmail.com for an interview slot.