There is so much to unpack from this once in a lifetime opportunity, and I hope that it keeps inspiring me for years to come. It's been one week since I returned from Bologna, and I am still processing most of what I learned and experienced! A new thought will occur to me at random throughout the day. As mentioned in other posts, the main takeaway that is still bubbling up inside is how to ensure that the stories of our neighbors are not only available but actively represented in our library. My hope is that each person I met during my travels could see themselves represented in my library collection.
I cannot state how much I would encourage future MLIS students to attend this Book Fair if given the opportunity. Any time you are able to travel, it's a good idea. Any time you are able to meet other people in the same industry to learn from each other, it's a good idea. Bringing these together, is a good idea. During my week in Bologna, I made professional connections, I had my thoughts and opinions challenged, I learned specific ways to implement ideas in to the library, and I was exposed to books and authors from over 100 countries (with a very long book wishlist to prove it!). Any MLIS student would be lucky to have this opportunity. The benefits have only just started to show themselves, and I know that I will have lifelong positive changes from my time spent here.
While much of this will be beneficial to my professional development, I think the discussions/panels had the most direct impact. I am still combing through my pages of notes and photos of the presentations, and I have a new takeaway each time. While I have spoken broadly about this in my post about the fair, here are a few specific ways I plan to include this in my professional future:
1. Review UN's recommended list of children's literature and add to the library collection.
2. Continually weed collection to ensure the community as a whole is represented.
3. Tighten up any gaps in the library collection development policies to future proof book ban attempts.
4. Create a book "prison" or lock-in, where someone can "book a room" where they are locked in for X amount of hours with nothing available to them other than books and comfortable furniture. Sign me up!
5. Have a school-wide book to be read. Students can read independently in the morning then gather in the afternoon to discuss. Since the largest drop-off for reading happens between 11-13 years old, this could be a great way to keep them engaged.
6. Start a "book school" where children are able to create their own book. Through the creation, they will learn and develop an appreciation for how a book gets made from idea through publishing, distribution, and marketing. Get those stories published in the local newspaper.
7. National Year of Reading - Students will read one page and write one line per day all year.
8. Market children's books to adults. The world is full of adults that can't cope with their feelings. More adults should read children's books.
9. Create an award for Children's Favorite, where the student population will get to vote on their favorite book they read that year. There will be a special section in the library for past winners.
10. Reading is most often child-initiated and spontaneous. Create space for children to read when the urge strikes!
11. Bring in children's literature authors to the library for speaking events. If possible, ensure each child gets a copy of that author's book.
12. Send a poster home to all students with 10 Good Reasons to Read.
13. Have Library Ambassadors. Choose a small group of students to be ambassadors. They will be in charge of selecting books, reading them, and recommending them. Since boys tend to fall behind in reading, this is an excellent way to engage the boy students.
14. Have a read aloud contest for middle grade readers. They can select the passage they would like to read.
15. "15 Minutes of Reading" implemented school-wide. This is simple and effective. At one point in every school day, children will have independent reading time for 15 minutes.
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