A REAL LIBRARY LIONESS!!

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 Kathy Pazaski!

This is my 26^th year of teaching in the Lake Washington School District.  I spent 10 years teaching in a 6^th grade classroom then earned my library credentials and moved to the library.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to open Blackwell Elementary in 1998 and work in a beautiful library. 

Our school is located in Sammamish which is a suburb east of Seattle.  We currently have almost 500 students but next year sixth graders move to middle school so our enrollment will be about 370 students.  I will miss sixth graders since their reading preferences are often more advanced than younger students and being a former 6^th grade teacher I have a fondness for their curriculum.  I love to spend time with my family, read, travel, walk my dog and explore new technologies.  This year I created a blog which has a picture of me touching a real lion in Zimbabwe. (This is one of the coolest and most dangerous things I have ever done!) 

Note from blog host: This makes you a real Library Lioness, Kathy!

The Skinny

I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to be a helpful, caring adult in student's lives. I am reminded on a daily basis by my interactions with students to appreciate the wonder of life through a child's eyes and I love learning something new with them every day. I love it when students are eager to learn and I assist in that process; whether I help students find a book to read or show them how to apply a technology skill it is exciting to see them want to gain knowledge and make connections.  

Library Laughs

It is always fun to see a student’s “light bulb” turn on!  Recently, first graders were completing a class book about baby animals.  When deciding on the title for their book the question of what makes something a mammal came up.  I told the class that mammals have fur or hair, have live births – not from eggs, and they drink their mother’s milk.  One of the first graders commented that people are mammals.  A boy then raised his hand and said that we couldn’t be mammals because we don’t drink milk from our mothers.  The girl sitting next to him said, “Yes we are, you know, boobies, that's what they are for!”  The boy’s jaw dropped and the “light bulb” came on!

A Lion’s Pride of ProgramsInvolving the community is such an important part of a library program. This year I tried a couple of new ways of connecting with the community that incorporated my newly created blog, the Bobcat Blurb.  First, I invited in a college student (Erin) who had traveled to Trinidad twice with her high school biology teacher to talk about her work with Leatherback Sea Turtles.  Fifth and sixth grade students listened intently to her presentation and asked many thoughtful questions. 

(Erin presenting to students)

They also had the opportunity to blog with Erin and continue the conversation about leatherback turtles.  My students loved this opportunity to learn from someone closer to their age.  Erin’s presentation kicked off an endangered species research project and PowerPoint presentation that students worked on all spring, and then shared with their classrooms. 

The project included many library, technology and writing standards. The students improved their research, technology, cooperation, and time management skills and they were totally engaged in learning about an endangered species of their choice.  I think this is a great example of how library instruction really can impact students’ educations.  We are so limited in the time that we have with them but we can make a big difference!

Here are some quotes from sixth grade students:

“I learned how to pull out the important pieces of information to put into a slideshow.”  Alanna

“I improved on being able to work well with partners and include their thoughts as well as mine.” Rebecca

“I realized that it was important to research before you start making the presentation.  I usually research as I go but I get mixed up on my sources.” Anisa

“I learned how to use reliable data and not just go looking around Bing.  The Google Advanced Images site has helped me a lot and I use it a lot!” Natalie

“I improved on my note-taking and use of online resources like ELibrary.” Katie

“I learned that you should use more than one website.  Also, I learned how to make a PowerPoint interesting and fun.” Hank

“I learned that you need to keep looking at sites until you see a consistent answer.” Bennett

“The most meaningful activity in library class this year was when Erin came in and talked to us about the leatherback sea turtle.  I improved on how to make a legible PowerPoint and how to make people interested in the subject.” Ryan

“I improved on making citations and getting the information needed to make them.  I learned how to add a video and how to crop photos on PowerPoint.” Luke

“I improved on giving credit to the websites/sources and creating a Works Consulted.” Connor

“It was fun to learn so much about the Great White!” Connor D.

Finally, a comment from a fourth grader who listened to a few presentations, “They made me really concerned and curious about these animals.  It made me want to do something about it!” Annabelle

 Another community connection occurred after a vacation to Iceland. 

The third grade teachers were reading a story with their classes about Pufflings, in Iceland, and they wondered if I would be willing to tell the students a bit about Iceland. 

Of course, as a librarian, learner and avid traveler, I jumped at the opportunity to share my experiences and new found knowledge about Iceland with the students.  They had great questions about geology, geography, sociology, biology, etc.  However, with my limited experiences I couldn’t answer all of the students’ questions.  So, I set up an opportunity for the students to blog with a boy in Iceland, who is about the same age as my third graders named Gunnar. 

Our “community” expanded to Iceland thanks to technology and Gunnar’s willingness to answer questions.  I also researched answers to their questions and modeled for students how to find information by contacting experts via email and looking up information on reliable websites. I had 50 comments posted about Iceland; many students loved this opportunity to connect with me outside of library class, as well as other students and our new friend in Iceland.  I will continue to use blogging as a method for connecting students to the library outside of their weekly library class and to expand our “community”.

Readers Roar: (Let’s hear from the kids!)

 “You know lots about books, cameras, and technology.  We check out books and learn something new every time!”  Mitchell, Grade 5

“Thank you for finding a lot of good books for me. You are the best!” David, Grade 4

“You are one of the most helpful people in the school.  You’re always helping kids inside and outside of class with problems, especially finding books.  You also are one of the kindest people I know.”  Ivan, Grade 5

“You have always been a great librarian and a magnificent Battle of the Books host. I love books because of you! Thank you so much!” Abosh, Grade 4

“You give reading a whole new meaning, from your fun and positive websites to your fun activities.  You really do give reading a purpose.” Josh, Grade 5

“You have inspired me and someday I want to be a librarian or a writer and then donate my books to schools.” Julia, Grade 4

“You are the best librarian in the whole world! I love how at the beginning we read books and then we get to check them out.” Emily, Grade 3

“You are a great library teacher and I probably would never have read some great books that I went crazy for.  I wouldn’t have read the Hunger Game series and the Warriors series.” Max, Grade 3

“You are the best librarian ever! You give us cool projects and help me find books if I can’t find them.” Anouska, Grade 5

“I found learning about how to use the library system and genres the most meaningful.  I also learned how to look through the library to find a book off of a call number. One of my favorite books this was the One and Only Ivan.  I found it very interesting and I am glad that it was brought into the library.” Anna, Grade 6

 Book Brag:  What three books are hot this year? Why?

The Hunger Games science fiction series has been impossible to keep on the shelves with a continual list of students with hold requests.  Of course, the movie increased the interest in the books but even before the film many students were hearing about the books from friends, siblings and adults and wanted to read them.  The “survivor” aspect reminded students of the TV show and made the game aspect of the plot appealing.  Students wanted to keep reading to find out about the next challenge. Older students and adults gathered more social and political meaning from the books which make the stories good for family or classroom reading and discussions.

Wonder by Palacio, R. J. has been very popular.  This realistic fiction story provides insight into the life of a fifth grade child with a grossly disfigured face who attends school for the first time.  It exposes fears and situations that all students, to some degree, probably experience and can certainly relate to.  The story is told from different points of view allowing the reader to think about how actions affect different people in different ways and perhaps to ponder how they would react in the same situation.  The topic connects to everyone’s awareness about their own physical appearance and what is truly important about a person.  Teenagers and adults have also found the book to be moving and thought-provoking. 

4th and 5th graders show their favorite books.  

“I liked Dragon’s Keep because it’s interesting and keeps the adrenaline pumping!” Peytra, Grade 4

“I liked Palace of Mirrors because it’s mysterious and keeps you flipping to the next page and it is full of adventure.” Ashley, Grade 5

“I liked Julie’s Wolf Pack because the pack takes you through and adventure of life with animals.” Josh, Grade 5

Author! Author!  
Great author visits combine information about the writing process that students can apply to their own writing, specific interesting details about the author’s books that readers don’t know from reading their books or getting the inside scoop. Topics that students can relate to tend to grab the attention of the audience; humor always adds interest. Students like to hear about how authors get their ideas, how they organize their ideas, what it is like to be an author and how they get published. 

Teachers like to hear about the need for revising, editing, and writing about something that you know. Interactive presentations keep students focused and visual information is helpful to keep students listening. This year we had author and storyteller Margaret Read MacDonald visit our school. 

Folktales from various cultures and storytelling fit in perfectly with new Literacy Core Standards.  The kids loved the participation aspect of her visit and teachers learned some storytelling techniques to use in their classrooms. 

Last year we had a wonderful author, named Janet Lee Carey J visit our school for Read Across America.  Here is an excerpt from a letter one of the teachers wrote to me after her visit:

Dear Kathy,

           When you invited author Janet Lee Carey to visit Blackwell, I was thrilled at the opportunity it would present my students.  Twelve years ago, I bought her newly released book, Molly’s Fire, at a signing event in Kirkland.  I stood in line with everyone else there so she’d sign my copy and asked that she personalize it to my students.  I’ve read the book and its inscription aloud to every class I’ve had since then.
           Your effort to connect authors with students has a lasting effect on the lives of students.  One such story begins last year when one of my kids asked, “What IS Molly’s fire?”  It was a brilliant question that usually doesn’t come up until the end of the story, so we started making a list of ideas as they occurred to us during read-aloud.  By the time the book ended, our list had almost 20 references to fire; some real, others implied and still others metaphorical in nature.  I was so proud of the students’ work that I left the list posted in our classroom long after we finished the book. 

          Then, we got word that Janet Lee Carey was coming to Blackwell.  My class wondered if we could share our list of ideas with her.  They wanted to hear from the author herself if they’d interpreted her text in the way she intended.  On the day of her visit, we carefully rolled up our chart paper of ideas about Molly’s Fire and brought it to Ms. Carey’s book talk.  Our time with her went right up to the dismissal bell but we still hadn’t gotten to show her our list.  The class crowded around her and asked if they could show her their thinking, even though the bell had rung and others were packing to go home.  They were invested.  When she read their ideas back to them, a smile affixed itself to her face and we all knew that yes, we’d understood.  It was such a real and potent moment for the kids as readers.
          After school, Ms. Carey gave me her contact information and asked me to send her a copy of our ideas.  I did, and a while later, she responded with a thank you and an idea.  Would it be alright, she wanted to know, if she returned to Blackwell…

Zandria

Note from blog host: J

Library Lion’s Roar: ONE LAST BIG ROAR

I have a sign on my library wall that defines libraries as:

1.  A forum for new ideas
2. An escape to other worlds
3. A connection to different people
4. A place of learning and growth.

My goal is to make the Blackwell library a warm and welcoming place for students related to all four library definitions.  Most days during lunch recess somewhere between 10 and 40 students choose to visit the library.  They play educational computer games and visit, they check out and read books, they work on homework, they ask for help on projects.  Through class instruction, recess visits and now blogging, I think I am making progress towards the goal!

Let’s Link

Blog:     http://bobcatblurb.edublogs.org/

Library Website:  http://www.lwsd.org/school/blackwell/Library/Pages/default.aspx

 Thanks again for the great interview, Kathy!

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. 

VALENTINES FULL OF LIBRARY LOVE

Happy Valentine's Month. This week we’re celebrating Library Love with celebratory quotes from previous posts with authors, librarians, and kids across the U.S.!



"I love connecting readers to books, but my favorite thing is connecting readers and authors. I have a very supportive Friends group which has provided the means to author visits in the schools. One middle school girl was so excited to meet an author. She told me she didn't think she would ever meet a 'real live author.'"

Darcy Brixey Teen Librarian at Bellevue Library, Bellevue WA

"I Love Libraries! In case you can't tell by looking at me, I think libraries are awesome. When I was a kid, I used to play library. Um, I still do . . ."

Author Lisa Yee

"I have the best job in the entire world. I love talking about children’s literature and helping a child find the perfect book. I could discuss children’s books twenty-four hours a day. The best part of my job is when a reader visits the library to tell me about what they read the night before or to share a cool website. I am very lucky."

John Schumacher (aka Mr. Schu) teacher-librarian at Brook Forest Elementary School in Oak Brook, Illinois.

"I love connecting with people, and connecting people with books."

Chris Davis Youth Services Librarian at Sacramento Public Library,

"I feel delighted to work with teens who are creative, funny, smart and far more together then I was as a teen. I believe that libraries are the last public space and I think librarians should all be challenging outmoded ideas of what types of programs we should have in libraries. We have an All Ages Arts Night

that showcases teen performers, dance, hip hop, spoken word."


Jennifer Bisson Teen Librarian Seattle Public Library.

"When I was a kid, I was the new girl in school nearly every year. This was in a time when folks didn’t move around a lot so that made me a real oddball. There were some pretty rough first weeks of school – lots of teasing and excluding. I quickly learned that no matter where I went, I would find a friend – between the covers of a book, in the school library. I would not have grown into the person I am without the salvation of those libraries."

Author, Kirby Larson

"I work in the best children’s room in New York City.I really love getting my books into the hands of readers. So much so that I’ll spend hours making sure that we have the maximum amount of books on our shelves, just in case there’s a reader about with a penchant for the additional works of Kenneth Grahame and such."

Elizabeth Bird Children's Librarian NYPL

"I love the creativity involved in being a teen librarian. Realizing that even though I don’t call myself crafty, I do a lot of crafty and creative activities with my teens. I love how my job is different every day. I think my biggest love is the collection development part of my job. Buying all the books and media for teens."

Kristin Fletcher-Spear Teen Librarian Foothills Branch Library in Glendale, Arizona.

"My absolute favorite part of my job is connecting readers with books. A lot of times, here in New Britain, the teens are not really enthusiastic about reading. If you can just connect a teen with one book, one, that really peaks their interest, then they will come back and ask for more. Having a teen say “Miss, you pick out the best books” brightens my day like nothing else! I love to go to the schools and book talk, because a lot of the teens in New Britain don’t have transportation to get to the library, so I have to come to them. It’s another way to reach them and to say, 'Yes, reading can be totally awesome.'”

Jessica Miller Teen Librarian New Britain Public Library, New Britain, CT.

Love from the Cubs!



“Walking in the library is like walking in the mall; you can look at stuff and not walk out with anything.” Alex, 7th

“Reading is a doctor because it helps.” Riley, 6th

“The library is like my room where I feel safe inside.” Daphne, 6th

“I like the library because it has books for everyone. Even when I’m in middle school I can find something to read here.” G, 3rd grade

“I like that you can find something to read at any time in the library. The librarians can always give you a recommendation!” C, grade 12.

“My favorite thing about the library is the Best of Books display. It shows kids and teachers reading their favorite books. Each person tells about the favorite book..I use it to find new books. - Syed, Grade 5

More Roars!

"When I was a child, I spent far too much time searching the woodlands for a secret door to the magical Otherworld. I collected many beautiful stones, which my mother called “clutter” and I called “magic”. During these years of searching, I did discover one small reliable door into a vast enchanted country I could open any time she liked: it was the cover of a book. My school librarian knew me and knew the books I liked, she set me on the path of story exploration, a path I’ve followed as a reader and a writer ever since.

"In the past few years I’ve begun to worry about the ongoing health of our public libraries. And I’ve been stunned to see how fast libraries are vanishing from our public schools. I created Library Lions blog to roar about the importance of libraries, applaud librarians working with youth, and to showcase the amazing library programs across the U.S. Here at Library Lions we celebrate Library Love all year round. Special thanks to all the librarians and authors who have taken the time to interview with us."

Janet Lee Carey Author, Creator Library Lions Blog

"I like to involve kids in decisions about our school library. I have a suggestion box for kids to recommend good books they’ve read that aren’t in the Library. I buy as many of the suggestions as I can and the kids love it. They’re listened to. They’re part of the Library."

Carol Matheson Teacher Librarian at Redmond Elementary in Redmond WA

"Libraries provide open access to information and entertainment to people regardless of age, gender, educational background, economic status, etc. In our consumer-based society, there are few places outside of libraries where anyone can go to learn, grow and connect for free. I love that my personal values of sharing resources (borrowing instead of buying and making information publicly available), promoting life-long learning, and preserving public spaces- mesh with the values of my profession."

Jessica Gomes Teen Librarian Issaquah Library, Issaquah, WA

"Each day is different and varied in the library, and it keeps all of us on our toes!"

Stacy Dillon Lower School Librarian at Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School in New York City

"I love how YA books have become so popular. I like seeing adults and teens come into the department and exit with an armload of books. I love chatting with teens about books and giving them some to read. It’s especially great if they don’t really like reading, but need a book for school and then they come back for more just like that one!"

Jennifer Rummel Teen Librarian Otis Library,Norwich, CT

"I love connecting library patrons, especially teens, with programs. To see them interact with a comics illustrator, artist or author is a real thrill. An even bigger thrill is to see them teach each other, whether it is a gaming program, or an art workshop. You never know what seeds are being planted. It is such a great opportunity to visit a school and talk about some of the cool books that are out there for teens and all the programs and things that teens can do at the library."

Seated on panel, Ken Gollersrud Youth Librarian High Point Branch of The Seattle Public Library

"I LOVE my job and feel very fortunate to find something that is such a perfect fit for my personality, my skills, and my life’s goals."

Susan K. S. Grigsby Librarian Elkins Pointe Middle School; Roswell, Georgia

"I have the best job in the world with the best kids in the world. I love that I am able to see each student in the school every week. We learn together. They teach me as much as I teach them….maybe I learn more than they do. I love that I am able to learn new ways to access information along with the students and we can share our favorite books. I am the librarian at Einstein Elementary School in Redmond, Washington. We are the Einstein Otters and we will change the world!"

Anne Sandbo Librarian Einstein Elementary School, WA

"Every day I look forward to serving in the Middle School library because each day is unique! As I work with young teens, my goal is to increase their knowledge of being effective users of information. I love connecting to the students and staff, promoting literature, teaching how to be ethical with technology and serving the families I work with on a daily basis."

Teresa Young Middle School Librarian

"As a YA author and proud owner of a well-worn library card, I want to give back to all the librarians whose book recommendations have fed my imagination over the years and helped me grow as a writer. I know it’s hard being a librarian in a rough economy. You’re strapped for time and cash, but still want to create fun programs to keep your kids and teens reading week after week. Not because they have to, but because they want to."

Kay Cassidy Author and Creator of The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest,

More Love from the Cubs!



“Our library has the best books. There are always new books for me to look at.” -Jasmine, Grade 3

“I love when we Skype with authors and illustrators.” Gabrielle, Grade 3
“Thank you so much for starting up book club again. Books are so important, and I think in this day and age we are losing them.” – Michelle, Grade 9

“I can’t believe you have this! This is so awesome! OMG it is SO COOL! Listen to the song I just made.”— Samantha, Grade 9, said while using Garageband in the Digital Discovery Zone.

“You give me the BEST books” Alexis

“That was really fun! Can I make another one?” John at the I-pod Brownie program

“A book is like a roller coaster ride, you read it and want to read it again.” Audryanna, 6th

“The library is like Wonderland where we are Alice with a new discovery around each corner.” Kali, 8th

“The library is a thrift store; everything is used.” Tori, 6th

“The library is like a recycling center; you read, return and repeat.” Rose, 7th

“The library is a friend because when I am down, I can always turn to it.” Sarah, 7th


HOW CAN LIBRARY LIONS READERS KEEP LIBRARY LOVE ALL YEAR ROUND?

"Support your local public library! We love our volunteers and appreciate every penny that’s donated, but most of our essential functions can only be funded by the city or county government’s budget. When times get tough (as they are right now), tough decisions have to be made about those budgets. It’s crucial that city and county governments know that public libraries are a vital service to their communities. Libraries are more needed than ever. Our buildings are bursting with job-seekers, recent immigrants, and students of all ages who need help with their homework. They may be the only places where children hear stories read to them, elderly people figure out how to use a computer mouse, or someone who’s having a bad day sees a smile. And our local governments need to know all this so they don’t put us in the same pile as the parks and the art projects that are awesome but tend to lose their funding more rapidly than the police and fire departments."

Lesley James Librarian Douglass-Truth Branch of the Seattle Public Library

Thanks to everyone for your year round Library Love. Library Lions Roar!


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.

Einstein Kids Will Change the World!

Welcome to Library Lions interviews. Raising a Roar for Libraries and for the outstanding Librarians serving Children and Young Adults in Schools and Public Libraries across the U.S. Please Roar today’s guest, Anne Sandbo!



When asked about her job, Anne says “I have the best job in the world with the best kids in the world. I am the librarian at Einstein Elementary School in Redmond, Washington. We are the Einstein Otters and we will change the world!"



Einstein Library




The Skinny
I love that I am able to see each student in the school every week. We learn together. They teach me as much as I teach them….maybe I learn more than they do. I love that I am able to learn new ways to access information along with the students and we can share our favorite books.



Library Laughs
One day I was checking books out with a class. A little boy had an overdue book and he couldn’t remember what the book was. I pulled up the picture on the computer and showed it to him. He looked at me and asked “Does it tell you where I left it?”



Another day I was exploring encyclopedias with 3rd graders. We’d gone over Alphabetical order and how to make a good guess if you’ll find something at the back or the front of the volume. When I asked where I would look for the Japanese Beetle a student answered:
“Probably in Japan.”



A Lion’s Pride of Programs
I think my favorite program that we do with our students is Battle of the Books. Einstein has participated since the program began and even though we’ve only won the district battle once, we have teams of real readers. They form teams, read the books and above all, they have fun. In the 10 years we’ve been doing Battles, we have only had teams end the tournaments with smiles, laughing and handshakes all around. You can’t do any better than that.



Readers Roar: Let’s hear from the kids!

~I love that the library was open this summer. I got to read the books that are checked out all the time during school. ~ Jen grade 4

~ I don’t ever want to hear Mrs. Sandbo use her “librarian voice”. I think it would be scary!~ Robert grade 5

Book Brag: What's Hot This Year?
Our Greek Mythology Graphic novels are hot this year. We have multiple copies of three volumes and there is as long a waiting list for them as there is for the 2012 Guinness World Records.

Author! Author!
I had the perfect author visit a few years ago. Robert Liparulo’s (author of the Dreamhouse Kings series) publisher called me. He said Robert had looked at our web site and would like to come see the students at Einstein.



He came with free books, he didn’t charge us for the visit or travel. He asked students to submit ideas to him for future settings for his books. He stayed connected with the students for years after his visit. Several of them were readers for him before later books were published. He really motivated some of our reluctant readers to start reading!

Library Lion’s Roar: ONE LAST BIG ROAR
Our students are coming to the library during recess to add grains of rice on the free rice.com website. They read the stories of the difference it makes to kids around the world and they get practice with some vocabulary and know they make a difference.

Let’s Link
Library Website: As it says on our website: We know just about everything, just ask us.
http://www.lwsd.org/school/einstein/Library/Pages/default.aspx

Thank you, Anne for your terrific interview!

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.