The school library I chose to visit is housed at Kingston Elementary in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is a small, cozy, welcoming space filled with bright, kid friendly furniture. The library consists of one large room with areas strategically separated with bookshelves and other pieces of furniture. There are comfortable areas for kids to sit and read at their leisure and tables and chairs for classes to come in and work in collaborative groups. There are no private spaces for studying but there are three small rooms designated as a professional library for teacher resources, an office space for the staff, and a makerspace for the students. The space and access in the library feels inclusive of everyone in the school. 

     It is very easy to navigate the library. Between the displays, decor, and murals on the walls, it is very clear that the space is meant for kids. All the bookshelves are clearly labeled with the genres of books and the different resources and collections available. These collections include but are not limited to: non fiction, graphic novels, fiction series, easy fiction, and chapter books. There are two computers accessible to the students for book searches. “School libraries today focus less on the collection and more on the learners.  The school librarian serves as a model and guide through the maze of information and helps students find their way through the labyrinth of resources available online” (Rubin & Rubin, 2020). There are two full time staff members working in the library, the Library Media Specialist (LMS) and the Library Media Assistant. More often than not, the LMS will not be found in the library. You will likely find her in the classrooms supporting both students and teachers using the information available to them to enhance their curriculum. 

     The students in this school have all been issued a Chromebook. Because of this, there are no computers set up in the library for students other than to search the catalog. There is, however, a smartboard for the librarian to lead lessons. Interaction between the staff and students in the library are very learner focused. “Education in the twenty-first century will be learner-centered, with personalized learning tailored to the needs of each student. The new technologies, when properly used, will be integral for exploration, self discovery, and innovation” (Rubin & Rubin, 2020). The kids are there to check out books of their choice, to record book trailers for their peers, to create in the makerspace, or to conduct research. 

     Kingston’s library website is very basic, listing its staff and providing a link to Destiny, the online cataloging system used by the school. You must be signed in as a student or staff member to check out books online or to use the other features of Destiny. 

     During the school year, the library is always filled with students coming in and out. Whether its to check out a book, record a book trailer, or work in the makerspace, the library is a welcoming space for both students and teachers alike. 

Reference:

Rubin, R. E. and Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.).  ALA Neal-  Schuman

Virginia Beach Schools. (n.d.). Kingston Elementary Library. https://kingstones.vbschools.com/students/library