Tracy Byers knows about libraries – she should as an assistant librarian with over seventeen years’ experience at Newton Aycliffe library. That she still loves her job is obvious – it is written all over her face – in her broad smile, eager enthusiasm, and sparkle in her eyes;
The workplace she proudly refers to as a ‘community hub’, was taken over by an excited gaggle of Year 7 students from Woodham Academy. The library resounded to the animated chatter of young voices as they poured over the latest Manga offering, perused the hottest fashion tips and delved into the murky world of Young James Bond. This, says Tracy, is just how a library should be – and the youngsters themselves seem happy to agree.
Nathan has never been to a library and says it is ‘mint’ because you can get loads of stuff for free. Nathan’s friend Callum admits to having been a bit dubious on the walk over, but now he too finds himself in a long line of classmates queuing to join or renew long forgotten library cards.
The effect of these visits by Woodham Academy children has, says Tracy, been entirely positive, and library staff have been delighted to see some individuals popping back to use the facilities after school.
7KL are the sixth class of Woodham Academy learners to visit the library over the past two weeks as part of the school’s initiative to raise achievement by promoting reading for pleasure. Over the past year the school has been busy refurbishing a new library, is in the process of initiating an electronic-book project called Nook Club, and has enrolled Year 7 on an Accelerated Reading programme to boost their reading and comprehension skills.
The scheme seems popular with students and parents and hopes to improve levels of literacy and give access to appropriate reading materials. Tracy is hopeful such initiatives will aslso begin to address some issues within the library service – particularly the fact that facilities where she works are predominantly used by either young children, accompanied by their mams and dads, or by those who are retired.
The response from Y7 would suggest that library services need not be facing such a bleak future, but that depends on the public continuing to support, and use, their excellent local services.
