Books are an outlet for adventure, but have you ever wondered what adventure the book itself goes on?
From the shelf to English class, books go on trips we can’t avoid. Librarian Sarah Bauer has an estimate of about 130 books last year not returned or lost. That’s 130 books that have left the shelf and will never be seen again.
Taking care of books is an easy task to accomplish. Librarian Jessica Hundley has an easy plan to keep books from being damaged.
“Keep your books away from possible spills of any kind. If carrying in your backpack, make sure that you haven’t crammed other items in and crumbled/torn the pages or cover. Students should protect borrowed items as if they were their own,” Hundley said.
Not only are books a major part of the library, but Chromebooks are also a large percentage of their workload.
In the first year Chromebooks were distributed to students, Central alone had over 700 work orders. However, the number of lost or damaged Chromebooks has gone down quite a bit.
“So far this year, we have seen at least 20 damaged devices, including some that have had to be completely replaced because they are beyond repair. We (desperately) encourage students to take care of their devices,” Bauer said.
If your Chromebook is having any trouble at all, Bauer and Hundley encourage you to get it checked out immediately. Remember to care for your device according to the guidelines the Bruins Chromebook Care rules demonstrate.
Don’t forget to be considerate to the library staff, as they have multiple tasks to do. These include helping with testing, technology, school assemblies, webpages, and even problem-solving when infinite campus logins cause issues.
“The library is considered the heart of the school. I think most people think that we sit and read books and check them out to students. I rarely get to read a book while I am in the library. That means that we take our work home with us to preview books that we want to share with our school,” Hundley said.
As everyone knows, the new library will be coming soon, and Baurer and Hundley are more than excited about it. Both are looking forward to having natural light coming through the windows and having a more comfortable place to work in.
The librarians feel deep love and admiration for the library since it has been a main part of the school for many years.
“I was a library aide my senior year when I went to Central and loved being part of the “hub” of the school…I love seeing students who once said they hated reading find enjoyment in reading and request books. I am a strong believer that readers are what make a community,” Bauer said.
Hundley also loves the library and wants students to find a love for reading.
“All are welcome. This should be a safe, warm, and inviting place where students can truly relax with a good book of their choosing. I get so tickled when I help a student choose a book and they come back in and discuss it with me. It means I have done my job. Helping to foster the love of reading,” Hundley said.
Speaking of their love for reading, here are a few of your librarians’ favorite books:
Bauer’s favorite fiction book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and her favorite non-fiction book is Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill, which is about a secret service member befriending Jackie Kennedy.
Hundley’s favorite book is Anne Of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, but it does change every year when she’s previewing books with Bauer. Hundley’s favorites this year include All Good People Here, by Ashley Flowers, At The End Of Everything, by Marieke Nijkamp, and It Ends With Us, by Colleen Hoover.
If you enjoy reading, be sure to check out the new books in the library and the similar competitions to the Book in a Bottle contest that may be coming up soon. Don’t forget to take care of your books and Chromebooks as they are an essential part of the school day. The librarians will appreciate it!
