LAUGH
Whether you call it the library, the media center, the learning commons, or the fountain of learning, here’s why you should hang out in the big room with all of the books.
1.The library has all the best stuff.
It has the comfy chairs, the laminator, free snacks, and of course, the stacks of books. Did Taco Tuesday give you gas? Go ahead and fart in the nonfiction section. The books won’t judge.
2. The library is perfect for hiding.
Trying to dodge the coworker who is selling cookies? Hiding because you didn’t finish your lesson plans? Avoiding an arrest for finally smashing the copy machine with a bat? The library has got you covered. If you hear someone coming, just grab a book and pretend to be too lost in a story to answer any questions.
3. Libraries have toys now.
You can call it a Makerspace, but let’s be real. Legos, puzzles, and Rubik Cubes are toys. Take a break and amuse yourself in the library. You can swing by the gym and smirk as the students run laps, or you can take the moral highroad and play in the Makerspace.
4. The books smell good.
Ah, the sweet smell of paper, ink, and good storytelling. Or is that mildew? Sure, the nonfiction section might be a little funky on Taco Tuesday, but overall, the library smells great. Can’t say the same about the gym.
5. The librarian is a genius who can find out anything.
Dating someone new? Let your librarian vet them. It’s kind of scary what we can find out with a few key details. But you know what’s scarier? Spending Saturday night with the president of the local chapter of the Cheese Lovers of America.
6. The library is the perfect place for napping.
Go ahead and practice “self-care” by snoozing in the book storage room. You could try napping in the nurse’s office, but, hello, germs. And you don’t want to get caught napping in your classroom when the supervisor stops by looking for your lesson plans. That’s like burping in the middle of a lesson. It’s hard to come back from that.
7. We have a lot of great books.
We will let you borrow any book you want, whether it’s for you, your kid, or your grandma. After all, when you read the book, you won’t put a booger in it. At least we hope not.
8. Librarians are more than cardigan-wearing book lovers.
We work hard to create and maintain welcoming library spaces, and we want to share them with you. And if you wind up marrying the president of the Cheese Lovers of America, then we’ll say “gouda” for you.
Jen Kleinknecht has been a school librarian for 15 years. If you can’t find her in the library, don’t check the nonfiction section or the book storage room.
