Complete transparency: my first year back in a school library was a challenge. After five years balancing roles as an Army National Guard Company Commander and a public library administrator, I had forgotten the sheer pace of the K-12 world. I traded administrative meetings for constant foot traffic and a 30-minute lunch crammed somewhere between checkout lines.
But as the final weeks of the year arrived and the shelves began to fill back up for summer, I decided to try something new. I wanted to see the year through the lens of a student. How did the library impact them? What would they remember? The best way to find out is to ask!
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| Field Day provided all-day traffic to the school library |
The Simple Prompt
During Field Day, I rolled out a long sheet of bulletin board paper and wrote one simple question: "What will you remember most about the library from this school year?"
I left out markers and let the students respond—some signed their names, others stayed anonymous. The feedback didn't just surprise me; it recharged me. Here are a few highlights:
"Learning about Artemis II—seeing pictures of the moon and the landing." (I had kept the NASA coverage running during their voyage, and it clearly sparked a sense of wonder.)
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"The open involvement in library book selection." (This was a win. Knowing a student felt their agency and opinion mattered in building our collection is the ultimate goal.)
"My friend taught (me) how to crochet." (Our RTI program became a social hub for peer-to-peer learning—proof that the library is about more than just quiet reading.)
"Checking out the book Rebellion 1776." (A reminder that a simple book display can be the catalyst for a lasting memory.)
"When you showed Mrs. Rash's class the Sora app for summer reading." (This collaboration led to a massive spike in ebook usage just as we were collecting our print copies for summer.)
The "Why" Behind the Paper
I cannot emphasize enough how much this simple exercise encouraged me. As educators, we often get bogged down in the logistics of "wrapping up"—the inventory, the fines, and the cleaning. Collecting student voices reminds us that the library is a living ecosystem and a safe harbor for our learning community.
I plan on keeping this piece of paper for years. It’s tangible evidence of a successful, although challenging, first year back (isn't every first year a challenge? Of course it is!). While I am ready for the rest that summer provides, I am already looking forward to Year Two as I continue the "Beginning Again" journey.
Have you asked your students for feedback lately? I’d love to hear the highlights of what they shared in the comments below!
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