There are few sounds more pleasant and beautiful than that of quiet readers turning pages and taking in stories by means of a well-loved book. In our library at Long-View, there is the added hum of bustling students, assembled at eight twenty, juggling a number of tasks but with one focused goal of betterment.
The Library Guild is a group of learners devoted to keeping the Long-View library not only organized and accessible, but a creative, fun, and, at times, entertaining space. Guided by all four Literacy teachers, they tend to the shelves, carefully checking in and re-shelving all the read books left for them the day before. In a carefully organized team, each individual plays a crucial role. Every week they are getting to know and work with that team through all the fun and breezy shifts, as well as the dreaded post-break disasters. They are learning to trust and rely on one another and to brainstorm and problem solve. Best of all in my opinion, they are sharing the satisfaction that comes with looking at an organized shelf, or a stack of donated books, newly labeled and ready to be shelved. What they’ve accomplished—and what we all walk past every day—is the product of time, patience, teamwork, and a deep sense of care for the people and space that surrounds them….
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