Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/133180
Latin's Librarians As students move beyond the lower school years, their relationship with the library evolves. For Middle and Upper School Librarian, Barbara Etchingham, promoting literature by making the library accessible and even fun for students is central to her mission. In collaboration with the middle school faculty in particular, Etchingham works on numerous strategies to entice students. She holds an impromptu book club during recess and supports middle school Literature Circles, which are small in-class book groups that coincide with units of study. She also is involved in book blogs with students and teachers, introduces students to new titles through brief book talks at assemblies, and hosts library parties. "My goal is to engage students," says Etchingham. "One way to do that is to provide them with choices." For the Literature Circles, for example, Etchingham works with teachers to come up with a list – Middle and Upper School Librarian Barb Etchingham of appropriate books. Students then are asked to select their top three. "They end up feeling that they are getting books that they are really going to like." She also makes sure that she is familiar with the newest popular young adult literature, often relying on tips from her students. "I am not a snob," says Etchingham. "I am happy to admit that the Twilight series, just like Harry Potter before, is a gift to all libraries. These books drew so many people into the world of reading." She is working on bringing more graphic novels, anime and nonfiction titles to the library. Etchingham is very excited about the potential that book blogs offer as well. English teacher Mary Jo Houck set up a blog as part of the mystery unit Literature Circle this fall. "The kids were eating it up. They were blogging about the mysteries they were reading and coming in and asking for more." To Etchingham, who is already looking for other blogging opportunities, there couldn't be a better scenario. "I am happy to admit that the Twilight series, just like Harry Potter before, is a gift to all libraries. These books drew so many people into the world of reading." • Middle and Upper School Librarian Barb Etchingham Latin School of Chicago 31