Bringing Classes into the Public Library

With so much competing for the time of today’s students, youth services librarians have an especially challenging job. How can they reach their target audience? One of the surest ways is the promotion—through the local school system—of a series of class visits to the public library. But where to begin? Choosing a grade level, contacting school officials and teachers, and planning age-appropriate programs are among the many steps that librarians must take—but may feel unprepared for.
Encouraging the collaboration of professionals in public libraries and local schools, this comprehensive guide presents a detailed framework for a versatile program of class visits. Written by two public librarians with firsthand experience, it describes, in a step-by-step format, how to accomplish a structured series of class visits. The book addresses procedures, planning and implementation, and offers suggestions for both elementary and secondary school visits. Informational packets and other print materials are provided for each level. Possible challenges are discussed, with thoughts on their impact on the overall program and ways to find workable solutions. The appendices contains easily adaptable templates including sample schedules, letters to teachers and evaluation forms.

Martha Seif Simpson is the former head of children’s services at Stratford Library Association in Stratford, Connecticut. She received the Faith Hektoen Award for Outstanding Program from the Connecticut Library Association and retired from the library after 28 years. Lucretia I. Duwel is the former head of teen services at the Stratford Library Association in Stratford, Connecticut and is a past co-chair of the regional YA Roundtable of the Connecticut Library Association. She is now retired and lives in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Martha Seif Simpson and Lucretia I. Duwel
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 183
Bibliographic Info: 47 photos, appendices, index
Copyright Date: 2007
pISBN: 978-0-7864-2806-9
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8285-6
Imprint: McFarland

Introduction      1

1. How to Get Started      5

2. Procedure for Elementary School Visits      16

3. Materials for Elementary School Visits      24

4. Procedure for Secondary School Visits      29

5. Variations of the Secondary School Visit      39

6. Materials for Secondary School Visits      44

7. Common Challenges      49

8. The Benefits of Class Visits      66

Appendix A—Plans and Forms: Preparing for a Class Visit Program      79

Appendix B—Web Sites      91

Appendix C—Plans, Letters, and Forms: Elementary School Class Visits      97

Appendix D—Elementary School Student Activity Sheets      127

Appendix E—Plans, Letters, and Forms: Secondary School Class Visits      149

Index      171

“comprehensive…detailed suggestions…invaluable”—School Library Journal; “highly recommended”—VOYA.