Check It Out! – Warren Township Schools
Submitted by Shannon Regan
The role of the School Librarian has morphed dramatically over the past seven months. During the 2019-2020 school year, the Warren Township Schools’ (WTS) librarians supported all students by creating, developing, and taking children on (virtual) Flexible Instruction Field Trips while teachers gained valuable education during professional development. The same group of educators hosted a program called Late Night @ The Library, reading bedtime stories to all interested Warren students and their siblings.
Currently, Warren students are back to school in-person for the 2020-2021 school year with many limits in place to maintain the health and safety of all students and staff members. At this time students cannot enter the physical library; however, all school libraries remain open for curbside pickup and delivery.
All students in grades 2-8 can browse the library offerings virtually using the online card catalog, Destiny. Students can then place a book on hold and have it delivered to their homerooms by their school librarian. The librarians are also able to make recommendations for students if they are not sure which book they want to take out.
WMS students can complete a book recommendation form that asks about their interests outside of school, the best book they’ve ever read, and what they are currently streaming online.
At the younger grades, students can complete a form on which there are book covers of popular series. Students pick their top three choices and the librarian brings one of their selections to them. Students in Cohorts A, B, and C receive their books at school, and Cohort D students receive their books on materials pick up day.
According to Warren Middle School (WMS) Librarian Ms. Cynthia Cassidy, “the students are so happy to have hard copies of the books after having access to only eBooks for such a long time.”
According to the WTS Librarians, it is critical to keep the libraries open and active throughout the modified school schedule. Distributing print copies into students’ hands allows students to take a break from their screens and provides them with a relaxing activity. Cassidy adds, “The best part about giving students access to the books in our school libraries is that it is one more way to make the school experience feel a little bit more normal.”
Parents and guardians can find the link to Destiny through Classlink.
