Today we went to the Prince George Public Library’s Bob Harkins branch. The library was very helpful for finding resources but something that really intrigued me was the use of the space. The librarians have made a focused effort to make the library a safe space that welcomes all groups and is primarily centered around youth and kids. The first floor, which is the easiest to access, holds all the youth and young adult materials and has designated areas for youth to do research or hang out and enjoy themselves. The effort to create a safe space was interesting. The librarians said that they do this because they know that providing young people with access and familiarity with the library means that they can continue to use the library and have a familiarity with it while they continue to be lifelong members. This is something that is important to consider when I’m teaching in that the skills, I teach my students will be with them for a long time and could have big impacts on their life. I should also consider how I can make my classrooms into safe spaces that enable people to learn and develop skills with the knowledge that they will not be rejected or abused in any way. The other idea that transfers to the classroom setting is the accessibility of the library. All the materials are immediately available and there are no penalties and very few barriers to access of materials. This is something important to think about in the classroom to create access to learning that my students can use easily. I also liked the fact that the library was willing to work with teachers and students to get them involved in the library. I hope to be able to show my students the potential the library offers for research and entertainment so that they understand the benefits of being library members and sign up for with the library to enable them to become lifelong learners. I will also look to use the library to come up with ideas and get access to materials for my class to use and myself to use so that my lessons remain current and relevant to my students and that I can provide them with more insight whenever they are looking for it.
Photo: CKPG Today
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