District Administrator's Corner
by Loren Glasbrenner
River Valley School District Administrator
In the center of every great school is a great library. We are fortunate in our district to have a library media center staffed by dedicated library media specialists and assistants that help our students and staff find what they need.
Think of that statement...“find what they need.” There is an incredible need. In every library, there are so many tangible things to help our students and teachers:
• Students
• Staff members
• Books
• Reference materials
• Access to the Internet
• Online resources
• Computers
• Space for reading
• Space for creating
• Space for collaborating
• Space for researching
• Space for teaching
• Space for learning life skills
All of these combine to be a central connection to the whole school. A library is an asset of the school in which students and staff acquire elements that are tangible and intangible: flexibility, creativity, choice, safety, leadership, advocacy, critical thinking, independence, and laughter are also incredible factors in our libraries.
Libraries are an old tradition. In the early 1700’s, as the United States was developing, missionaries found resources to build public collections of materials for their communities. This tradition continues, as our local communities also provide us with incredible resources. The pandemic has changed a few of the hours open, but if you need resources, the staff is ready to serve:
• Lone Rock Community Library on 234 North Broadway Street (583-2034)
• Kraemer Library and Community Center on 910 Main Street in Plain (546-4201)
• Spring Green Community Library on 230 East Monroe Street (588-2276)
Each one of these institutions has been flexible and creative by building resources for your family. Each website mentions a “grab and go” activity that may be fun for your family.
Libraries have personalities. Libraries are fun. You might be surprised to know as technology evolved, so have your libraries. They are ready to serve. However, there is one thing they cannot offer that is needed … it is you. Reach out. Use the incredible resources and make the choice to utilize the tangible and intangible offerings in these diverse learning environments. You will not be disappointed.
