I read the post forwarded from Shulamith of Brooklyn's executive director with
a mixture of sadness and indignation.
As a librarian who was dedicated to providing the best library service to the
school for nearly twenty-four years, it was disturbing (yet understandable)
that the administration is questioning the need for a physical library space.
We have heard these stories before. (I remember reading about a public school
whose principal removed the collection and replaced it with computers. At least
one family, who knew which way the wind was blowing, moved from the community
before this happened; they did not want their children learning in such an
atmosphere.)
When, early last school year, I began to believe that Shulamith, in its move to
a temporary location, would have no space for a library (and, hence, no use for
a librarian!), it was obvious what my course of action should be. I took early
retirement benefits and, when my fears were confirmed in the spring, took
reluctant leave of my professional home for nearly a quarter of a century. For
years, I had made efforts to bring the libraries into the 21st (or, more
accurately, into the late 20th) century. These efforts were not as successful
as I would have liked. After I endeavored to keep as many books as possible out
of long-term storage by presenting them to teachers, I ended this chapter--or,
as my volunteer put it, this book--and left the building.
I was gratified to see that others posted messages to this administrator. It is
my hope that, wherever Shulamith of Brooklyn makes its next home, there will be
space, and support, for a vibrant, state-of-the-art library. Basya Karp,
Former Librarian Shulamith High School and Shulamith School for Girls of
Brooklyn http://www.bookandagarden.com
http://www.booklovinggrandma.wordpress.com
http://www.friendlyeditors.blogspot.com
__
Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author
and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)
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