I, too, inherited a collection that had been "loved too much." I weeded
everything that looked neglected, replaced those books that had high
readership: Calvin and Hobbes, anime and manga, drawing books, car
books, sport books, and finally really, really had a heart-to-heart with
kids. I showed them damaged books, books that had gotten wet, broken
spines, chewed books, etc. I told the kids that I would do everything in
my power to continue to place quality, fun, interesting books on the
shelf, but that I had to have their help. When a student checks out a
brand new book, I say something like, "Oh, this is brand new; be sure
and take care of it." Also, I took away access to the "book drop."
Students now have to hand books to me or a library aide. When they see
that we are looking at the condition of each book every time it is being
turned in, it makes them take a little bit better care of the books. I
think the students realize now that the library has limited funds and we
need to take care of all our items because the readers (students) lose
every time a book is damaged.
Pamela L. Thompson, MLS
Library Media Specialist
Col. John O. Ensor Middle School
El Paso, TX
grades 6-8
915-937-6018
pthomp@sisd.net
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's
too dark to read."--Groucho Marx
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