College Hill Branch on a school day

Last Friday I happened to be at the College Hill Branch just before school let out.  With its proximity to an elementary school, it’s no surprise that the students fill the branch when school lets out.  This is true not just for College Hill but for many, if not most, of our branch libraries.  This is both a wonderful opportunity and a tremendous challenge.  A large influx of kids, fresh out of school, can quickly get noisy and disruptive without a firm hand.  We arrived at College Hill around 1:30 to find the branch already quite busy.  Every computer was in use and people were browsing, both adults on their own and those with preschool children.  Branch Manager Arnice reminded us that school would be out at 2:15 and that the branch would be really busy then.  Looking around at the already crowded branch I thought “Where will the kids go?”  I was about to find out.

At about 2:10 Miss Arnice, as the kids call her, went to stand outside the front doors of the branch.  Within minutes of the end of the school day the kids began to arrive.  I didn’t even try to count but there were lots of them.  Miss Arnice stood at the door – in charge, greeting the kids as they arrived.  While she welcomed them into the branch she also made it clear that she was in charge and the kids better know it.  The pace at the branch picked up.  Staff were all busy assisting with checkouts and computers.  The students dispersed throughout the branch finding empty seats and making quick trips to the bathroom.  While crowded and busy there was no chaos.  The students were well-behaved and listening to the directions of the staff.  The Security Guard walked through the branch making sure everything was under control while Miss Arnice continued at her post at the door. 

Shortly after the students arrived, Children’s Librarian Lisa walked through the branch announcing that Hooks and Needles, an afterschool knitting and crocheting program was about to begin.  The students excitedly went into the meeting room and I learned that they have as many boys as girls participating in this program. 

As we left Miss Arnice was telling three students to move their bikes, they were blocking the sidewalk while also telling another to pick up his jacket.  No yelling, no backtalk just calm directions said with an expectation that these instructions would be followed.  And they were. 

The Library is a great place for students after school.  From homework assistance to computer access to special programs like Hooks and Needles, these kids are getting a chance to learn, do their homework, interact with their friends and try something new.  All under the watchful eye of our staff.   

I greatly enjoyed the chance to see the College Hll Branch staff in action as they faced the daily deluge of students who use the branch.  They managed the needs of these students who were excited to be done with the school day and the prospect of the upcoming three day weekend while continuing to serve everyone else using the branch.  I hope the students also enjoyed their visit to the Branch.  We want to make our Library lcoations welcoming to all by balancing the needs of the diverse community we serve at each and every branch library.