Happy Holidays, Library Elves!

As my children have grown up, I find each holiday season brings a wave of nostalgia.   I really miss combing toy stores for that “just right” puzzle, Lego set, or board game (that adult relatives could also stand to play...repeatedly). I am still drawn to the children’s section in bookstores, where large covers are illustrated, titles in bold lettering. Is it crazy to also miss being a volunteer in my kids’ school library?

So here is a wish for holiday cheer, and a big “thank you,” to this year’s elementary parent library volunteers. You are the elves who check in piles of returned books and get them all re-shelved for the next class to find, who tuck in small chairs beneath kid-sized tables, and know where the Guinness’ Book of World Records is. (If that’s still in demand. Or the horse books, “I Spy” books, or Harry Potter.)

I hear the libraries are only open four days a week. That must mean your shifts are busy ones, with three classes of third graders filing in, having a read-aloud, and finding new books in back-to-back 30-minute periods one weekday morning. Or kindergarten or preschool classes. Or the 5th grade classes, trying to accomplish research while the librarian is available. Thanks to the parent volunteers, who provide another adult presence in the room during all the activity.

My kids all went to Muraco, so here’s a shout out to 2011-12 Muraco library elves (first names only, and sorry if I leave anyone out):  Maura G., Stephanie, Maura S., Kirsten, Barb, Joanna, Devi, Sharon, Jenny, Amy, Samantha, Diane, Laura, Sue, Jennifer, Sarah, Cindy, Samina, Teresa, Andrea, Corinne, and Christine. And to the dozens of parents at Lincoln, Lynch, Ambrose and V-O.

Happy Holidays to you all, and to all a good holiday break!