Library Media Tech Talk

When I worked as a school librarian from 2008-2020, I always opened the library before school so that students can access the space and resources we have. When I started this new position in August of 2025, I decided to continue this practice of opening the library before school each day.   Creating a Morning Sanctuary The response was immediate. Within two weeks, word had spread, and we reached "capacity" by 7:40 AM most mornings. While having to cap numbers due to seating is a challenge, it is a "good problem" to have—it proves the demand for a safe, engaging morning space. To maintain a balance of productivity and fun, I curated a variety of "Morning Stations": Literacy: Independent reading and book discovery. Gaming: Strategic classics like Chess and Uno. Digital Learning: Educational gaming via Nitro Type, Gimkit, and Blooket. Makerspace: Hands-on building kits and puzzles. The Strategy: To manage hall traffic, I require students to stay until th...

Students examine historical newspapers I've been experimenting with using our weekly 35-minute RTI (Response To Intervention) enrichment time to bring engaging, real-world programming into the library. This flexible time allows us to schedule programs for students who don't require mandated remediation, offering valuable enrichment instead. The need for local connection became profoundly clear when I discovered how few students connect with the Malvern Daily Record , a paper with a deep history in our county. It was surprising how many students don't look at the paper—one even told me they had never physically held or read one! To bridge this gap, I decided to invite Mrs. Heather Bennett Ritter , Staff Writer for the Malvern Daily Record , to present during one of our library sessions. We had an excellent turnout for the event. Mrs. Ritter and I take a moment for a photo! Building Connections and Learning History Mrs. Ritter took time to talk about the history of the newspa...

After returning to the profession as a school librarian this year, I quickly realized a critical gap. In my previous positions, I had always worked with at least one talented adult paraprofessional who handled decorations and displays. Now, as the sole teacher librarian, I was concerned. Creative ideas came easily, but the execution —making it look professional, appealing, and polished—was rarely my strength. I knew I couldn't ignore this essential component of library visibility and community engagement. I needed a sustainable solution that would turn my personal challenge into a programmatic opportunity . The answer, I soon discovered, was right in front of me: my students. The Experiment: Putting Students in Charge With several student workers lined up for the 2025-2026 school year, I immediately began assessing their talents. I noted that I had students with particular strengths in drawing, coloring, and digital design. "Fall Ball" Display I began challenging the kids...