Authors/Writers Visiting The Library

I have recently had two visits (and I have three more to come before the end of the year). I have been motivated by other librarians talking about how great the visitors they have had. I wanted to help create a buzz about the library and literacy.

Visits aren't cheap - from about £300-£500 in my experiences so far, so I don't think its unreasonable to have high expectations of the day.

Our first visit was a Slam Poet, recommended to me by another school librarian. I had thought it would be just the thing to excite some of our non-library users. His performances were great but the workshop activity was too challenging (I would struggle to write a poem unaided on demand!). There was even a fight that broke out during this time, which is what can happen when students are no longer engaged and have time to get themselves into trouble. Overall I was disappointed.

The second visit was a storyteller. He worked harder at engaging them compared to the poet, but a lot of it went over the students heads. The older Gifted and Talented group seemed to really enjoy it, but the other groups didn't seem that impressed.

So far, I wouldn't re-book either, the first as the activity wasn't structured enough and the second because it just didn't suit the majority of my students.

I am hoping the next three will be more rewarding for the kids involved!

Small moments

I have had a week off from work, and we have had half term so it had been two weeks since I had seen the kids. I had a few lovely moments, that too often we let slip by without appreciating.

1) A 6th form asked where I had been, told me they had missed me (missed having someone to argue with - said with a grin!)

2) One of my student librarians who didn't use to ever read had a great discussion with me about a book series we have both been devouring. I remember the girl who said she didn't really read, and she seems so different to the girl recommending another book to me. As an aside, we have been loving The Hunger Games, and are struggling to find anything else that matches it.

3) I recommended a book to a student, and we had a great discussion about Islam and honour killings. Reminded me that books have the power to open our/their minds to things outside of their direct experience.