By Crae Walker, Opinions Editor
With the effects of COVID-19 in everyday life, it’s hard to remember what the school library looks like – assuming you went there in the first place. But despite the obstacles at hand, FFHS media center coordinator Susan Sawin has been doing all she can to distribute her inventory during first quarter.
Many students would rather read a physical book than have to stare at a screen for even longer than they already do. And while the concerns over coronavirus remain, the pick-up process is easy and safe. Each book is wrapped for students’ protection, and there is no contact involved with access.
“I find the books, wrap ’em up and place them on a cart in front of the school,” Sawin said.
All you have to do is reserve the title you want, then pick it up later.
Though the hybrid schedule will be implemented soon, and Sawin has stated interest in opening the library at reduced capacity, sometimes physical books aren’t an option. Students may even prefer to listen to a book, in which case technology has come to be a terrific assistant.
This can be especially helpful for class-wide projects, such as senior English teacher Hunter Will’s assignment on memoirs.
“I believe that having access to ‘Overdrive’ helped make the project possible for us,” Will said.
Overdrive is an ebook and audiobook service filled with books bought by the school. First Flight’s interest in the app started as an investment from a former technology director. Though not used to its fullest potential in years past, the pandemic has provided an excellent opportunity to read e-books and audio books whether for personal preference or just convenience.
Coincidently, this virtual library has been expanding over the years, growing to include almost 1,000 more books than its original number of 250 or so audio books. Furthermore, every student has been given the opportunity to access this library with their student number.
“We went ahead and created a username and password for every student,” said Sawin, who has created a new media center website to help students use all of the library’s features.
Sawin has also accentuated the use of this personal library by providing recommendations for students who contact her over email. In this way you can find something that you really want or need with less effort.
“It (the use of email) tells me that it works,” Sawin said.
Though unsure of what comes next for the school library, Sawin hopes she can see students again when they come back. Such precautions as a reduced number of occupants, all seating facing the same direction and of course general COVID guidelines have been put into consideration so students can resume regular reading routines.
“We feel very strongly that books in people’s hands have a value to them,” Sawin said.
Senior Crae Walker can be contacted at 21walkermc92@daretolearn.org.
