GLMA Newsletter

From the Editor
( conitued from cover )

It’s around this time every year that I take some time to reflect and evaluate the past 12 months. I don’t make New Year Resolutions – never have; however, I do look back to see where I was and compare it to where I am. My library has fewer books this year (had to weed more than I could afford to buy). I’m on more committees this year than ever before (the staff points were few and we’re short-handed). I see more children coming to school wearing ill-fitted, well-worn clothing and they seem to be wearing the same shoes a little longer. There seems to be more children having trouble reading and keeping up with their peers and more kindergarten students arriving completely unprepared for the school experience. I see more teachers getting creative with what the rest of the world throws away – paper tubes, magazines, paper clips, twist-ties, aluminum cans and yarn. I keep hearing the economy is improving but I haven’t met anyone who actually feels it yet.

Yet, even as I see all of these things, I look around my library and feel a great deal of satisfaction. Yes, my students would be better served with more current books on the subjects they are studying. Yes, I could reach a few more of those that are falling behind with more resources. But, to quote Sheryl Crow, “it’s not having what you want. It’s wanting what you’ve got.” The silver lining to all of the economic brouhaha is that I spend so much more time cultivating and nurturing alliances that can provide alternative funding for my library. My PTA has been exceptional in helping me make up the budgetary shortfall by providing me funds to shop at discount book stores, Scholastic’s 50% off sale, and other more-time-consuming-less-expensive book sources. Parents in my school community have donated used books in good condition and sponsor new books in honor of their children. I have spent many hours talking about the poor condition of funding in Georgia’s school libraries to anyone who will listen (some reluctantly). The point is that I have not let the skimpy budget affect my library program. I’m still excited to be here every day. I’m still quite creative at coming up with resources. I’m still proud of my library.

So, in spite of the economic issues and the readiness issues, I think we’re doing all right. Don’t get me wrong, here! Go to Library Legislative Day and sing about our plight to every politician within earshot. Until they listen, I’ve got some books to shelve and some stories to read. Oh yeah, I think I’d better go ahead and see if I can find my snorkel and my purple noodle. Summer will be here any minute now…