The MCS library program has been selected as one of the New Hampshire School Library Media Association Outstanding Library Programs for 2022! This year the NHSLMA Awards Committee has recognized two outstanding library programs, one at the high school level and our elementary program. Mrs. Anderson and her assistant, Ms. Ames and the library program they have created has had a very positive impact on our students and the entire state school library community! Mrs. Anderson received her award on March 25, 2022 at the Spring Conference with her family by her side. Congratulations Mrs. Anderson!!
“It is clear that your program is enhancing teaching and learning. You and the library paraeducator have made the library program an essential and vibrant part of your school community.” ∼ NHSLMA Award Committee
Mrs. Anderson has been the school librarian for four years. Prior to her arrival at the helm of the library, the collection had not been weeded for several decades. She spent her first year learning the collection, and the following year, in the middle of a pandemic, proceeded to remove books that were too worn, no longer relevant, or no longer fit the curriculum. This improved the quality and the age of the collection. Enough new books have been purchased to replenish the shelves and make it a very attractive and welcoming collection!
Mrs. Anderson has restored relationships with the public library and the Lions Club. Under her leadership, both of these organizations now donate books for all students within the school, and she collaborates with the youth librarian at the public library to deliver programs outside of school hours.
Mrs. Anderson has reinvented the environment within the library. The library is now a warm and welcoming place. The layout has changed to facilitate more collaborative work. Teachers now spend more of their planning time there, collaborating with the librarian or working on their own projects.
Mrs. Anderson redefined library services during the pandemic. She became a traveling librarian, moving from class to class with large carts so she could provide access to books and library activities. She also continued to teach technology classes with students in their classroom instead of coming to the library. She offered delivery to classrooms, and even had curbside delivery to parents in the early days of the pandemic. The school shut down and later was severely restrictive in student movements, but whereas other programs like music and art floundered and were heavily impacted, the library programs continued to thrive.
Mrs. Anderson is building a program where students and staff are eager to come in and use the material and the inviting space. She loves collaborating with teachers, and she loves to put books in kids’ hands and see the spark light up in their eyes when they find that “just right” book!
Mrs. Anderson recently implemented a makerspace in collaboration with her assistant, Ms. Ames. They created numerous engaging activities and students love to participate. March is literacy month in the school and the activities are well appreciated by teachers and students, she sends home activities several times during the school year to promote literacy. The book fair is particularly well promoted, and supports author visits throughout the year. Mrs. Anderson also runs a book companion club after school hours in collaboration with the reading specialist where all students and parents in 4th and 5th grade are invited to participate. It is well attended, and the parents enjoy the opportunity to read with their students in a welcoming environment.
Congratulations again to Mrs. Anderson and the library!
