Successful Programming

Middle school and high school libraries are entirely different beasts than elementary school libraries.  Usually in elementary schools, students get library instruction at least once/week.  This allows teachers to have plan time and breaks.  In middle school teachers might sign up to visit the library every couple of weeks for their students to check out books.  Some teachers decide not to bring their students to check out books.  There is so much curriculum that needs to be completed in the classroom that often teachers don't have the time to bring their students to the library for an extended period of instruction.  In high school, class attendance to the library falls even further to the wayside, with the library usually utilized for class research projects in which a teacher might bring an entire class once or twice a year.

Because of this, I believe that programming can play just as important a role in a middle school library as it does in a public library.  Some students might not have frequent chances to visit the library with their teachers, so I have been trying to offer a variety of opportunities for students to come in during lunch period or study halls for special events and activities.

Our first special event of the year was Halloween Storytime, which was offered waaaaaaay back in October.  (Hey!  I'm getting caught up!  Did you miss my previous post??)  Students could come to the library during their designated lunch period to listen to stories.  I thought I might have a couple dozen students per lunch period.  Man.  Was I wrong!

As students came in, I had Michael Jackson's Thriller playing.  It set the tone perfectly, and students could eat a bit as they watched before they started reading stories.

6th grade was the largest group by far.  Kids on the floors, sharing seats, and being completely awesome and respectful the entire time.

Our last group was 7th grade.  The "smallest" group still had over 30 attendees.  This is when our principal stopped by to listen to some stories, too!

I have to admit, I didn't expect this type of turn out, but it was great!  I also didn't expect so many students who wanted to participate.  I had printed out several stories to read, but I only read one very short story at the beginning of each lunch period.  The rest of each period was spent with students volunteering and sharing their own stories (like in the 6th grade photo) or reading stories they had selected and brought themselves (the 7th grader above).  This was a great kickoff to what has been a year of successful programming so far.  I'll describe more events we've held over the next few days.  I know you're excited to read about more!

To Tell or Not to Tell

Ever wonder how librarians spend their Saturday nights?  Well, I'll tell you one thing we sometimes do: particpate in or attend storytelling festivals! 

It's one thing to tell a story around a table to a group of friends or family members.  It is quite another thing to tell a story to a group of strangers.  I got to do the latter this past weekend, as I was asked to participate in the annual Storytelling Festival put on by the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library & Information Science.

 The amazing chalk art mural students from Uni completed for the Storytelling Festival!

It was quite an honor to be a part of the storytellers on Saturday, April 4, 2015.   I feel like the others did a much better job than me: they were steady, professional, extremely well practiced.  I got up there to just have a little fun and tell a personal story about an NSYNC concert I dragged my husband to (my boyfriend at the time).

 The portion of the mural dedicated to my story.  A pretty good chalk rendition of Justin Timberlake with his head set if I do say so myself!

I believe you are never too old to hear a story, and I believe storytelling should be present in every library--public and school.  Not storyTIME...storyTELLING.  We have a master storyteller at the Champaign Public Library, and she is calm, centered, focused, and intense (in the best way) when telling her stories.  Her tongue never trips (as mine often does), and she is as steady as a river when unfolding her tales to the audience.  She is a magnificent site to behold when telling. 

Telling stories might seem like an easy task, but it can actually be quite daunting.  Here is my super fast list of things to think about when setting out to tell a story: 

• You have to consider your audience.  Will they be of a serious nature?  Will they be ready for a good time and some laughs?   Are they an unknown entity that is causing you to stress out even more?
• Then you need to pick a story to tell.  Maybe a folk tale or fairy tale...maybe a personal story...maybe a story you've adapted from a favorite book, TV show, or movie.  
• You'll also need to think about your tone.  Do you want to be lighthearted and whimsical or serious and dramatic? 
• Let's not forget about practicing/rehearsing.  What if your schedule is jam-packed with activities, but you still want to tell a story?  When will you find time to rehearse?
• What if, after all of this thought and consideration, you did not choose wisely, and your effort falls flat on its face during the performance!?!  Wait, don't think about this.  It won't happen!  You'll be great!
• Above all, you should be telling a story because you enjoy it!  The audience should be able to see or feel how much you want to tell a story.  They should be excited as they listen to you unfold your tale of woe or happiness or magic or mystery.

I have found over the past year or so of practicing my storytelling technique that I have a definite style: it's one of laid back comfort.  I want to put you at ease and tell you a story that will usually make you laugh or chuckle...or at least smile a bit.  There are so many dark, serious things going on in the world that I take storytelling opportunities to lighten the mood and transport you to a good time, a fun event, or a warm, inviting place that will let you forget your cares for a moment or two.  As I said earlier, it was an honor to tell a story at this annual festival, and I can only hope to have the opportunity to do so again.