Librarians as Learning Architects: Building Inclusive Spaces for Every Student
The role of school librarians is vital in fostering a rich, inclusive learning environment for students. They not only curate a diverse collection of books and materials but also focus on providing reading material that matches students' interests and educational needs. During a recent meeting featuring a panel of seven CCSD librarians, several key processes and strategies were discussed regarding how school libraries select, manage, and maintain their collections, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of their school’s student body.
The selection of library materials is a collaborative effort involving librarians, educators, and students through initiatives like the Teen Advisory Group (TAG). This process includes carefully vetting books for age appropriateness, relevance, and adherence to district policies. The removal of outdated or less relevant materials, often referred to as "weeding," relies on circulation data and the currency of information to ensure that the collection remains vibrant and aligned with students’ educational and recreational needs.
Addressing the unique requirements of younger students, especially concerning sensitive topics, is another critical focus. Librarians ensure that materials for elementary schools are developmentally appropriate, often seeking out professional reviews and input from parents, educators, and other librarians to guide their selections. Additionally, the importance of representation in literature was emphasized; efforts are made to include books that reflect diverse cultures, identities, and experiences, allowing all students to see themselves in the stories they read.
Summit Elementary’s librarian, Heidi Grange, recalled a time when she connected deeply with a book’s character. “I remember, this summer, picking up a book and starting to read it. It was just a kid's book, but I felt like, ‘Oh, this is like me!’ I just remember how powerful a feeling that was,” Grange said. “Well, we want our kids to feel that same thing.”
The panel of librarians also touched on book challenges and the hidden costs associated with these challenges, such as time and resources required for reviews. They emphasized their commitment to fostering strong relationships with parents and educators through open dialogue and collaboration, ultimately aiming to create a supportive environment where students can explore literature that fosters empathy and personal growth.
A central takeaway from the meeting was the vital role of school libraries as spaces of belonging for students. Several librarians shared that on a typical school day, students frequently gather in the library before classes and during lunch to check out books, play games like chess and checkers, socialize with friends, tackle puzzles, and complete homework. Librarians expressed their dedication to guiding students toward books that act as “mirrors” and “windows”—offering not just relatable characters but also insights into diverse cultures and experiences beyond their own.
Fostering a love for reading is the true passion of school librarians. Jann Leishman, the librarian at South Cache Middle School, recalls a student who initially declared his dislike for reading. After spending some time exploring the library together, she suggested he try a graphic novel. To her delight, he returned later, beaming with pride as he announced he had finished it. “It just lit a fire under him,” Leishman explained. “He gained so much self-confidence after discovering that section in the library, and he became a regular patron.”
Many thanks to Minnie Dayton (North Cache Middle School), Heidi Grange (Summit Elementary), Kandyce Barber (Sky View High School), Katelyn Ballif (Sunrise Elementary), Jann Leishman (South Cache Middle School), Kim Bagley (Green Canyon High School), Melissa Jensen (Mountain Crest High School), and Jan Jenson (Spring Creek Middle School) for serving on the librarian panel. For more information regarding the topics discussed during the meeting, check out this CCSD Library FAQs Sheet.