The Importance of our Library
By: Chevelle Kenney
Do you know how to use the library catalog? What about our online catalog?
Contrary to the modernization of technology, books are still best on paper. The HCbserver staff interviewed Mrs. Maggio, the library aid, to talk about the future of the library.
“Not once have I had a kid come in and ask to check out an ebook. They want that physical copy.” Mrs. Maggio states.
What are the Stats?
A recent Homer-Center study showed that out of 115 students, only 3.5% have not read a book in the past year; however, only half of the same participants have checked a book out from the high school library. Students of Homer-Center are reading, but why aren’t they utilizing the library?
It could correspond with the usage of our online library catalog. This same study showed that only half of the participants utilize the catalog. 23% of participants know about it, but don’t know how to use it, and most shockingly, 27% of participants didn’t even know we had an online catalog!
This catalog allows students to check if our library has a book they’re looking for, and if the book is currently checked out or not. It allows students to look at a list of books of the same genre, look up keywords, look over books of the same author, and more. It is a great utility to have, given the amount of books our library holds.
Students are taught how to use the catalog in elementary school, which poses the question “should we re-teach how to use the catalog?” Libraries are an important resource to education, and can help kids get the resources they need. Mrs. Dunlap, a high school English teacher, shares how she utilizes libraries, stating “I have checked out books from another public library. I do this so I don’t have to pay for books. I read a lot and it can get expensive.”
The Dire Desire to Read
Maggio spoke on how as kids get older, they have less and less time to read. A common response from middle school students as to why they are checking out books is because of “Free Read Mondays” and because “Mrs. Rura made me.”
Younger students especially are not interested in reading, and it is likely because they do know what variety the library has.
On the contrary, the few high school students that responded to the survey read for pleasure. They love going to the library due to its peaceful nature, but this is only a small portion of the older student body.
As students get into high school level English classes, they don’t get “free read Mondays,” and are expected to read from home. High school students tend to lose touch with books because the encouragement to read isn’t as persistent as it is for our middle school students. These students aren’t forced to go to the library, so unless they’re a super reader, or need a book for class, they don’t use the library for books.
What’s in the Budget?
Mrs. Maggio sets up a “featured” section on the desk of the library every month.
“I try if there’s a feature of the month [black history or women’s history], or books that haven't been read in a while.” she states “It’s like a toy box when you’re little, and mom puts in some new toys. It’s like refreshing the library”
While expressing her enthusiasm in trying to get kids to read, she talked about an important issue.
“I purchase a lot of books myself and donate them because of budgeting issues” she states how the library has a subscription to the Junior Library Guild for the middle school students, but if a high school student requests a book that isn’t on the shelves, she finds a used copy to donate to the library.
These titles she provides give a fresher feeling to the atmosphere, as they’re suggestions straight from students. Many kids don’t realize how new some of the books in the library are, and how easy it is to find a hidden gem.
Students fail to realize how grateful We should be to have Mrs. Maggio in our library, or we wouldn’t have a lot of the literature that we have. Stop into the library and give it a chance, you'll never know what you might find!
Mar 6, 2023