I'm so disappointed right now. I got word that it will cost quite a bit of money to have the Promethean Board moved to accommodate my cabin. Unless the hubby can recreate and downsize without us spending a load of dough, it just isn't going to happen due to space.
So... I've been in my library to measure and think. I've taken pictures of how it looks now (check out the pictures in the gallery). I went in last Thursday, and looked at some papers that the previous librarian left for me and honestly, the reality of "Michelle, you are the librarian!" set in, and I admit, I was a little freaked. I looked through that folder and had no clue what some of the stuff was -- I totally thought to myself, "Am I ready for this?" Then the glass is half full side of me kicked in. Heck yes, I am ready for this! I've wanted this for some time, and it was quite a road to travel to make it to this point. It has all been more than worth it because I am surrounded by books, and soon, my other loves will arrive, waiting to just eat those books up!
I spent some time in one of the back rooms of the library yesterday. Time would be a key word here. Maybe more like time-capsule. My school was built in the late 80's, so there's the spoiler for you. I found two filing cabinets full of what I will call "stuff" from the early 90's. I chuckled because these files were from a lady who was the librarian and had stuff dated from when I was a junior in high school. Camcorder instruction manual anyone? (Insert my favorite saying here - Jesus, Take the Wheel!) Needless to say, two large trash cans were full when I left.
So I've been told by a good friend that I was quite bold in asking for some spacial changes in the library. With several changes of school buildings in my district, I figured we'd get turned down by the folks who move and paint stuff anyway, but it didn't hurt to try! So, I've got a great principal who is backing me in my "vision." I've picked the paint that I plan to do. Yes, I said, I will be doing the painting. The picture of the paint chips don't do the colors justice. If I learned anything in graduate school to be a librarian, it's that your space has to be inviting, or who's going to want to spend any time in there? Brightening the walls up is a start. I'm just waiting for a move of a Promethian board to fit in my cabin building that my great hubby built me three years ago and has been incognito as a tiki hut in my beach themed classroom.
Today, I'm heading out to look through the Professional Library that seems to be quite large. I'm thinking it is in need of weeding. I need the shelf space horribly. I hope my intuition is true, and I can make the shift of these books to that back room where those filing cabinets I emptied were, and move the children's books around to accommodate the growing collection.
Stay tuned for pictures as I continue the change. Until then, enjoy a good read and soak up the sun.
Well, this school year is about to end in just five days, ending my era as a classroom teacher -- all I could ever think about being as I grew up. That all changed a number of years back. The library. That's where I think I'll head. I still get to teach, but no report cards, no real parent conferences after school, no grading papers...and I'll get to share my love to read and play around with technology. Maybe I won't "live" at school as long, as my husband says...maybe.
I left one division three years ago, headed for a new beginning, and I got it. I think that's what's on my mind the most....another new beginning. I'm super excited -- I'm getting my own library!!! However, I am going to miss my grade level partners and the other folks I've seen everyday for the last three years. I want this change but I've never experienced it this way before. When I left my other division, I didn't get hired in Virginia Beach until mid-summer, so packing up and leaving all happened long after the staff and students were gone. I waited and waited, as patiently as I could, for that call of a possible interview to be a librarian in one of the few positions the city had available for the upcoming school year. It all happened so fast! I got the interview, "the call" and the rest is about to become the next era of my educational career.
I've taken "before" pictures of my newfound home -- and I'll be working this summer to transform my new home by day into the "hub" of my new school. I hope you enjoy the journey with me this summer, so stay tuned!
After 18 years in public school education as a classroom teacher, I am getting ready to embark on my first year as a school librarian. I love books, technology, the beach, country music, my family-- and my furry family too, all in no real certain order.