Chicago Public Library

Interview With Children's Librarian

Interview with Jessie, who has been working at The Rogers Park Library for 12 years.

Q: From looking through the Rogers Park library website, from what I understand, there are many planned programs for kids like lego building with STEM aspects, or I saw an event on kinetic energy…overall, in your opinion, why are these informal education events valuable to students in the community?

A: "Well, we try to bring things to the community that aren’t happening in other places…story time is unique to the library here for kids who don’t get it at their home…[it is valuable because of the library's] uniqueness, availability, everything is free, and doesn’t require registration."

(Image 1 to the right: "Preschool story time with Ms. Jackie" details. The program is only for "kids 2-5," which does not cater to the majority of elementary school children.)

Q: Are the events and programs here accessible for students with diverse abilities, such as those with learning differences?

A: "Not really but the focus right now is more early childhood. Before covid we had all people here but now it is early childhood. I mean, we have "block play," which is a time when toys are layed out for any kid to use, so special needs kids can participate then."

(Image 3 to the right: ADA-Accessible signage on two computers. Image 5 to the right: "Block Play" program information.)

**Brings attention to whether or not the library is inclusive to students with special needs, or if the ADA sign is just for "show."

Implications For Future Teaching: When I am a teacher, I plan on researching alternative resources if it appears a popular resource is not catering to all learners. If the Rogers Park Library is not inclusive to students with special needs, it would be my responsibility (if I worked at New Field School) to work with them myself or recommend other extracurriculars I know of in the community that are more inclusive.

Q: How does the library facilitate learning for emergent bilingual learners?

A: "No specific programming."

(But I did observe signage on computers in both English and Spanish, as well as a "foreign language" designated row of books available for borrowing, as seen in photos 2 and 3 to the right)

**Brings attention to the staff's knowledge of the library's resources--why did the librarian not mention how the signage is usually in both Spanish and English? Why didn't Jessie mention the extensive section of foreign language books?

Implications For Future Teaching: As an educator, I need to understand the value of researching the resources available at the institution I work at. If I worked at this library and an emergent bilingual student is struggling, I feel it would be my responsiblity for giving guidance. I need to be able to teach all types of learners, including ELLs. To give guidance, I must understand the resources available.

Q: Is there free tutoring available here for elementary school aged children?

(Did not get to ask this as she was very busy but I observed from the flyer, yes! (image 4 to the right) )

Q: Do you happen to have any specific partnerships with New Field Elementary School?

A: "We get assigned all the schools in our service area radius miles. In my 12 years as a children’s librarian, I have worked with all of the elementary schools in my district at one point or another. We work the most with New Field though because it is right around [the block]."