03 February 2012

Books, Steampunk and Bonding with Students

I don't usually blog about what I do every day in the library because non-library people would probably find it pretty boring.  I read*.  Books, book reviews, magazine articles about books, books about books, etc.  And I talk about books - with teachers, students, and other library geeks.  I do book talks, genre walks, book recommendations, etc.  At least once a day I go gaga crazy over a book.  Usually, it's when a student comes in looking for a book and I get to help them find one that's AMAZING and that they cannot possibly live without reading it!!!  And yes, most of the students and staff here think I'm a little off my rocker.  They're probably right, but I'm charming and cute, so they let it go.
The teacher part of me has not died in becoming a librarian.  One of the biggest perks of being a teacher is watching young minds grow, change and develop into thinking (albeit hormonal, slightly imbalanced, but darn funny) minds.  The thing I miss the most about being in the classroom is the opportunity to get to know students - their lives, their strengths, their struggles, and their passions.  As a classroom teacher I really got to know the kids in my classes, but I never really learned much about the students who didn't take German.  As a librarian, I learn lots of names but I don't have as much of an opportunity to get to know kids on an individual basis.  Except for two types of kids:  the book lovers and the punks.  I know the punks because I have to talk to them every time they come into the library about one of the following things:  drawing on the desks/walls/bookshelves, horseplay, trying to check their facebook status, swearing, or being punks.  I had to deal with the punks as a classroom teacher as well, so it's par for the course.  And usually, I can find one or two redeeming qualities to the punks, so they aren't that bad.
However, it's the book lovers that make my job a joy each and every day.
Take, for instance, the three girls who come in and have lunch with me every day.  They love books just about as much as I do and we banter about books constantly.  If I read a book that I know one of them will enjoy, I give it to them.  One of them constantly tries to convince me that there is literary value to Nicholas Sparks novels (professionally, I know she's right, but personally...gag me). Another devours every book i give her within 24 hours and always give an honest opinion about books (last week: "Only babies would like that book Miss C...what were you thinking?").  Those girls make my day each and every day - even on days when they're hyper and loud.
This morning I visited some 6th grade classes and talked about different book awards, the awards process, and the award winners we have in the library.  As I was getting ready to leave, a boy caught my attention: "Miss C...look!!" I turned, and in his hands he held the perfect Steampunk tophat and goggles.  I melted.  This kid knows I LOVE Steampunk (if you don't know what Steampunk is, think Will Smith's Wild Wild West.  It's technology + historical fiction = pure awesomeness), and now we're permanently bonded through the love of a genre.
I don't know where life will take him, who he'll turn out to be, or what books he'll love as an adult, but I do know that we've bonded because of books.
Some people are super stoked for this weekend because of the Super Bowl, and that's great for them.  I am super stoked because sweet Abram brought his rockin' cool hat and goggles in to show them to ME today.  That?  Makes me pretty freakin' cool.

*Update: I also spend quite a bit of my day focused on technology - fixing it, teaching it, figuring it out.  I'm as much tech-guru as book-guru.  Beloved library friends, please stop the influx of emails about "don't you work with technology?" and "gosh, I wish I had time for books - I'm too busy with technology".  Books are just the focus today.  For the record, I heart tech too.

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:28 PM

    Hi this is Abram, I just wanted to say I apreciate your post

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous2:36 PM

    This is Abrams mom, I LOVE your blog. Abram is a pretty awesome kid and I love to read too, I look forward to talking to you sometime. Thank you, Holly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Abram Edger12:23 PM

    Hey, this is Abram. Im currently going to Redlands and i have not forgotten you. I want to send you a picture of my steampunk cosplay. Keep in touch.
    Abram

    ReplyDelete
  4. Abram - I haven't forgotten you either! As you can see I've been away from blogging for almost a year now. Not on purpose - just had lots going on! Hope all is well in your world! Are you ready for 8th grade?!?

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to add your opinion of this or any books you've read here. Proper APA citiation style preferred (ha!)