Fostering literacies to empower life-long learners

In Martha Currie’s Library Learning Commons, students feel that they have a voice when it comes to adding to the library collection. The Teacher-Librarians ask for student input by displaying a “Book Wish List” where students are able to write which books they’d like to see in the library. The wish list not only enlightens the Teacher Librarians on what to order, but also promotes the excitement of reading.Students also feel a connection to the library as their artwork is displayed throughout the library. Students are also given several times throughout the day where they can exchange their books using a self-checkout system. By inviting the students into the learning commons, displaying their art contributions and listening to their recommendations the library learning commons at Martha Currie is a space where a community comes together, is heard and is celebrated.

Dil McDonough - Teacher Librarian at Martha Currie Elementary

At École Panorama Ridge Secondary in the Surrey School District, we have a special tradition called One Book One Ridge. One Book One Ridge is a school-wide read that occurs each year during second semester and it has been a part of our school culture for 8 years! The program is designed to increase literacy and reading for enjoyment and each year one book is selected to be promoted school wide. From books with dystopian themes, such as Scythe and The House of the Scorpion to fantasy books such as Ink and Bone and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, the focus has always been to pick books that would appeal to a wide variety of readers at our school. Furthermore, right from the beginning, inclusivity has been a top priority and therefore books with LGBTQ and social justice content such as The 57 Bus and All American Boys have also been included. Modelled after larger city-wide reads in the U.S., One Book One Ridge is designed to increase student engagement through participation in book-related activities. For example, during our “book chats” both students and staff gather to discuss the content and themes of the book and win door prizes. Furthermore, the students can also participate in a large trivia contest where their knowledge of the book is tested through a series of increasingly challenging questions. The trivia contest is the highlight of the program for most students as the winners can win a variety of prizes such as books, gift cards, and candy! Ultimately, the One Book One Ridge program has been incredibly rewarding experience. Not only has it increased student engagement in literature outside of the curriculum, but it has also fostered a greater sense of community amongst the staff and students at the school.

Jessica Rudan - Teacher Librarian at École Panorama Ridge Secondary

This past year, a committee of Teacher Librarians in our district conducted diversity audits on our collections. Formally, in groups of elementary and secondary TLs, we systematically evaluating our collections against a locally developed set of diversity markers. Working together, we are identifying areas of our collections that need further curation to ensure the books are culturally relevant and reflective of our students and of our global community. This process is also being completed informally by some of our colleagues through auditing their displays, resource lists or special collections (i.e. holiday collection). Early next fall we will be meeting as a group to share and analyze our data, develop action plans and develop book lists for future curation.

Leigh Husieff - Teacher Librarian at Clayton Heights Secondary

Students are introduced to different genres, authors, and illustrators in our Library Learning Commons through the Surrey Book Award programs. Each program encourages students to read 10 different books while considering what books they enjoy reading. Students vote for their favourite book after reading and engaging with the nominated books. These books are also promoted at our local Surrey Public Libraries where students can get a sneak peak of next year’s nominees when they are finding books for summer reading. Our Surrey Book of the Year program is about to go into its fiftieth year and its committee is always looking for ways to get students involved in selection, voting, and connecting with other readers. For the past two years our Surrey Book of the Year committee has hosted a virtual author visit series with nominated authors where students from across the district could have their questions answered. All programs highlight student voice and reading for enjoyment.

Meagan Cordeiro

Teacher Librarian at William F Davidson Elementary