March 18 - I love my public library

I love Arlington County Public Library.

One reason is because it has multiple copies of the same book. This came in handy when, as a reading specialist with a low budget to buy new books, I could check out 4 copies of the same novel when the teachers I supported were starting their book club unit.

Another reason is because it has unlimited checkout. This came in handy when, as a reading specialist with a low budget to buy new books, I could check out 4 copies of the same novel times 50 titles when the teachers I supported were starting their book club unit. It wasn't until I was trying to check out about 200 book club books that I learned of the unlimited policy. I recall heading to the self-checkout desk with stacks of books. I got nervous as I swiped the 99th book, thinking surely it would stop accepting my request. But it never did. It came in handy again two months ago when my 80 fifth graders had about 60 different American history topics that they wanted to learn about and then teach the information by writing a nonfiction museum display. Again, I checked out LOTS of history books!

A third reason is because it is open until 9pm Mondays-Thursdays and on Sundays. I appreciated their hours tonight. After teaching all day, attending a faculty meeting after school, and then getting home, eating dinner, and chatting with my husband, I still had time to stop by the library. I am beginning a Memoir writing unit. I simply googled memoir picture books using my iPhone and then walked the stacks, grabbing the suggested books off the shelf.

Now I can't wait to go to school tomorrow. Armed with about 20 memoir picture books from my favorite public library, I am ready to give my students time to immerse themselves in this genre.Then they will be ready to write a memoir.

I love Arlington County Public Library.