Libraries are Forever
by Rita Sorrentino
Our school library is not automated. Last week I used the card catalogue to locate books, fill out the library cards to complete the borrowing process, and found myself in a nostalgic moment. I realized that I had borrowed several of these books before, and I encountered the names of former students who had also checked out these books. What a sweet memory of my years here at Overbrook Elementary. How privileged I am working with great kids who love good books. As I read their names, I tried to figure out where they were in their educational journeys. In a way, the old system was an inroad into a literary network. Although there were no tweets or texts, the borrowers had friended the books; it was comforting to be added to the list of readers. I often imagined conversations with the faces behind those handwritten signatures. Today, chats about our good readscould be accomplished through blogs and other social media with the signatures extended to profiles. In one book, I found a note that said, “If you like silly poems, this is the book for you.”
Last week’s browsing in the school library was my effort to jump-start a unit on poetry. I wanted the kids to have books as well as online resources to serve as mentor texts for reading and writing poetry. I can still remember the day that a poetry book was my invitation and initiation into the world of literacy.
On a scorching July afternoon, my mother recruited my cousin Lucille to take me by the hand and walk me to the Haddington Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. The library sat high on a hill with a set of steps that seemed colossal to a six year old. Every step closer to the stately main entrance heightened my excitement for this awaited rite of passage. However, once inside the door, my enthusiasm waned when I caught a glimpse of high shelves with volumes of thick maroon colored books. Not understanding the organization of the library, I trembled as I anticipated the librarian taking a book from the shelf and testing me to determine if I could read. Much to my relief, we walked past this reference section of the library and a kind lady invited me in and showed me the children’s room of the library with small table and chairs and lower shelves filled with colorful books. While my cousin Lucille presented the signed parental forms to the librarian at the main desk, I was permitted to select two books for check out. The first book that caught my eye was a picture book showing a little girl having a tea party with her doll, Matilda Jane. I don’t recall the second book, but I later learned “Matilda Jane” was a poem written by Lewis Carroll. Standing on my tiptoes, I proudly signed the card, tucked the books under my arm, and contentedly descended the steps. Reaching the bottom, as Lucille took my hand to cross the street, I looked back up and knew I would return many times to this special place that was willing to lend me the world through words and pictures, a few books at a time. In the hard-to-imagine days before the Internet, having a library card was indeed a rite of passage.
In these days of shrinking budgets, libraries and librarians are not guaranteed in our schools and communities. Although the popularity of electronic publications lessens demand for printed materials, libraries still play a vital role for both their physical space and their resources. From housing primary documents and locating materials through partnerships and digital subscriptions to serving as a meeting place for after-school programs, research groups and community meetings, libraries promote reading and learning through collections, programs, and services. Nowadays, I often let my fingers do the walking, and I do enjoy the convenience of reserving and renewing books online, and downloading digital materials. There is no doubt that e-readers are a perfect solution for storing many books in one easy-to-use and on-the-go device. But I still cherish that memory and feeling of wonder I had when I was six years old and borrowed my first book from the Haddington Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. In my book, the library card wins for giving readers access to the best of both worlds.
Rita Sorrentino is the technology teacher at Overbrook Elementary. Rita joined the Philadelphia Writing Project in 1994 as a teacher consultant. Rita serves on the PhilWPJournal editorial review board.