Caring for our Community: The Long-View Library Guild
By Guest Writer, Julia de Freitas (7th Grade)
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.
One faithful member of the Library Guild captured the essence and core of the guild beautifully: “The main foundation of Library Guild is that we all have a deep love of writing and reading, and we want to share that with everyone.” Another long-standing member revealed their love for the guild, saying “I like being community-oriented…and being hard working— you have to do [the tasks] well. We uphold a very high standard because we can’t let the library fall into disarray.”
Some might say it’s a lot like a job. Each member of the team relies on the other to get to school on time, do their part and sometimes adapt to pick up another’s unintentional slack. However, if the team is chronically having to pick up one member’s slack, that learner gets released from their duties and the others carry on. The teachers rely on the guild members to do their shifts thoroughly, and most importantly, the whole school is relying on the guild’s systems to provide an enjoyable and accessible library for them.
When asked about her experience in the guild, a member answered, “I like being in the library, being around the books. I think we all deeply care about the books, that’s the main thing. Plus, you get your own little community.”
It’s one thing for a community to keep the library organized, but to make it fun and interesting is much harder. Outside of the usual loop of checking in, reshelving and organizing, the guild leaders—Mrs. Kobren, Ms. Fleury, Mrs. Weller, and Dr. Flider—hold meetings once a semester to brainstorm and plan new ways to improve the library. In these meetings, the guild stays at school for lunch and spends most of their time discussing problems and solutions in the system, as well as new plans for the library. They’ve thought about more effective systems of organization, book displays, book recommendation posters, and even “blind date with a book” interactives where a reader commits to trying out an unknown book chosen by the guild, delicately concealed in wrapping paper. Although most ideas are dropped—all members are incredibly busy during their shift and have a hard time getting ahead of the guild’s schedule, as well as their own—there have been a few fun and entertaining ideas put into action over the years. A few years ago the guild put one of their creative and soon realized corny ideas into action together, creating a hilarious yet to the point video encouraging all learners to do their part in the organization of the library. More recently, the Library Guild helped set up a large book display covering many genres, spreading the word that authors—some famous—would be present at the Texas Book Festival.
All these helpful, dedicated, creative learners join for many reasons. One explained “I saw a way I could help…[it’s] not a huge commitment.” Another delineated that she wanted experience before she went to work at the Austin Public Library in a few years. She also stated simply, “we like helping, we like organizing,” which seems to be a shared reason they all join.
No matter the person or the team, it’s safe to say that this small guild in this small school can teach valuable lessons about oneself, change one’s perspective on people and places, and develop a sense of responsibility and agency. It’s a wonderful community-building and fundamentally life changing experience for the whole team.
