Today's Member of the Week is Dione Massey. Dione works at Yargo Elementary School in Winder, GA. She has been a school librarian for 17 years.
We asked Dione some questions about her experience as a school librarian and we would like to share them with you.
What's your favorite thing about your job as a school librarian?
I love to read! Each day I get to share that passion with children; encouraging them and watching their love for stories grow. This is the highlight of my job.
Name one children's book that you couldn't live without in your library.
Piggie Pie! by Margie Palatini
Tell us why you decided to join the Elementary Librarian Community. What's your favorite thing about it?
I am always looking for fresh ideas to keep the children active and learning in the library. I have really enjoyed having so many quality lesson plans at my fingertips. This year, I started centers in the library and have used lots of your plans to implement those. The kids have enjoyed the stations and I have really liked giving them more freedom to discover and explore library curriculum in small groups.
What's the biggest challenge you're currently facing when it comes to your school library?
If you could give one piece of advice to a brand new school librarian (or someone considering becoming a school librarian), what would it be?
There are so many different jobs and responsibilities that intertwine to make up a school librarian. You don't have to do it all on your own. In fact, you might find that you can't. Find a group to share with and lean on (like the Elementary Librarian community). Don't get too overwhelmed. Breathe. Focus. Enjoy the children. Share your love of books and reading.
Honestly, purging outdated materials is my biggest challenge. I don't have a problem getting rid of the actual materials. It's finding the time to go through the process of purging that is my trouble.