One of the busiest times for school libraries occurs as the school year comes to an end. It is a time to resolve overdue book issues and return books to the shelves before the great summer exodus. It is important to start early and be visible and tenacious.
Most of us make use of reminder slips, announcements and notices on the school websites and newsletters. But what else can we do to make returning books to the library an adventure for students, rather than a chore?
1) Instead of relying solely on boring lists of missing books, create a game where students can help locate them.
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| Found on schoollibrarydisplays.blogspot.com |
2) Host a contest with a prize (pizza, ice cream or popcorn party, a special viewing of a movie in the library, extra computer free time, extra gym/outdoor period, etc) for the class that gets all their books back to the library first. I like to include teachers in the contest since teacher resources are one of my highest losses. Maybe issue certificates to post on the doors of classes:
| via pinterest.com |
3) Have classes create their own WANTED posters and post them throughout the school. There are so many ways to do this. They can create fictional characters who have left their books, draw missing book posters, create book outlaws.
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| from randomhousekids.com |
4) Make library reminder announcements interesting.
A 5-part Dr. Seuss-style poem has been adapted in most of my schools. The kids actually stop and listen to it and are eager for the next installment. It's a chance to use your creative writing and speaking skills. Here is a tiny excerpt from the poems:
A 5-part Dr. Seuss-style poem has been adapted in most of my schools. The kids actually stop and listen to it and are eager for the next installment. It's a chance to use your creative writing and speaking skills. Here is a tiny excerpt from the poems:
Comb
through your lockers
Bottom
and top
And
under the lunch
That
all but the flies forgot
Look
in the closets
And
under the stairs
Behind
all your toys
And
old teddy bears
Books
are so quiet
They
don’t make a sound
When
they get lost
They’re
not easily found
We’re
missing a few Lioni’s
And
some Dr. Seusses
And
books about hockey
And
some Mother Gooses
We’ve
sent out notices
And
asked you through rhyme
But
still lots are missing
And
we’re soon out of time
Each
book you return is
Welcomed
with a cheer
‘Cause
some other student
can
read it next year
Book Return Poem credited to Mr. T. Flynn
5) Create countdown signs or class counts. Post them by the library and keep classes updated with daily announcements over the P.A.
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| via absentlibrarian |
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| via pinterest.com |
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