where can meet laura ingalls wilder
Meet Mary A. Jennings, Camano Island Librarian
by Norman W Wilson, PhD
Have you walked into the Camano Library at Terry's Corner and met a lady with a warm smile and sparkling eyes that said 'welcome'? That's Mary Jennings. Have you been there and heard the soft plunk of guitar strings? That's Mary playing during Children's Story-Time. Mary came to the Sno-Isle Library System in 2007. I asked Mary the following questions:
When did you learn to play the guitar? Do you have a favorite folk song? Children's song?
I studied piano, voice, and saxophone as child and I've always enjoyed playing instruments and singing. One of my goals as an adult, especially after I had children, was to learn the guitar. I didn't accomplish this until I started working with children at the library. I decided that playing the guitar would truly complement my story times. I took a few lessons about five years ago and have been strumming and singing ever since. Two of my favorite folk songs are Big Rock Candy Mountain, and You Are my Sunshine –I sang these to my own kids when they were babies hundreds of times, especially during bouts of colic! I close all of my story times with The More We Get Together. I love this song because it allows the children to get up and move around while they suggest different words for "Get." For example, the more we "Jump" together.
Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder (About the Author)Learn more
S. Ward
What library experience has been the most fun for you?
There's so much that I love about my job, but I'd have to say the most fun is connecting reluctant readers with books that get them hooked on reading. As a children's librarian and a mom, I have read hundreds and hundreds of children's books, and I have a very good feel for what type of book will spark the interest of a particular child. It always gives me a thrill when a child returns to the library with a book that I selected and he or she excitedly requests another one just like it. This lets me know that this child is on his or her way to becoming a true reader and lover of books. I can definitely speak from both professional and personal experience that children who enjoy reading will do fine academically.
What aspects of your job do you find most challenging?
I think the fact that the future of our library is so uncertain makes my job challenging. Families come in all the time and tell me how much they love our little library and can't wait until the permanent structure is built. I gently have to remind them that, at this time, there is not a plan to build a permanent library and that the library is a pilot project. The majority of folks want to know what they can do to keep a library on Camano. I always suggest that they get involved and join our amazing Camano Island Library Friends. I tell them that this truly grassroots group has made all the difference in the world to our library.
Nellie Oleson Meets Laura Ingalls (Little House)Learn more
Heather Williams
If you could, what would you do to increase the public's use of the library?
The biggest challenge we face at the Camano Island Library is space—or lack thereof. Over the years, we have a watched our usage grow and grow. This, of course, is fabulous, but it limits the type of services we can provide. As it stands now, when I do my story times, I basically take over the library. I have to move bookcases and tables and to be truly entertaining and engaging we make a "joyful noise." The kids love this, but it can definitely be off-putting to someone who is looking for a quiet place to select that special read. A library with a separate meeting room would go a long way in solving this problem. This would allow a greater variety of services, for both children and adults. Not only would we be able to have more programs but this room could be used for computer classes, a place for local groups to hold meetings, and a quiet study place.
I note you have a special interest in the children's reading program. What is your favorite children's story?
As a children's librarian I have a great passion for early literacy. I believe that reading to your child early (in utero even!) and often is the most magical of experiences for you and your and child. New research seems to come out every day that reinforces how critical this time between parent and child is. From the brain development of synapses connecting to the social/emotional empowerment that occurs, it just doesn't get any better than reading with babies and children. There are just so many children's books that I love. You just can't beat Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown—we have this is in both board book format for babies and picture book format for older kids at the library. The Little House a picture book by Virginia Lee Burton is such a sweet story, I think I've read this over 100 times! I love the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and I had the best time reading the Harry Potter series with my own kids. As you can see, I could go on and on….
Holding a BA degree in Business Administration, Mary has worked as Systems Manager in the Head Start Program at Skagit Valley Community College, and managed the office in her family owned consulting business. She has a Masters Degree in Library and Information Services.
A large part of Mary's work at our Camano Library is focused on providing services for children. She has developed and implemented seasonal story-time sessions as well as summer reading programs. In addition to working at our Library, Mary is a book reviewer for The Library Journal.
Like the other Camano Island Library staff members, Mary's there to help, to answer questions, or to order a special book from the Sno-Isle Library System.
Norman W. Wilson is a regular contributor to Camano Community and writes on a variety of topics. His latest book is DUH! The American Educational Disaster.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿