Walkerville Public Schools Library

Hearing the ring of a school bell brings back many memories of school days. The Walkerville Public Schools Library invites all to relive the best parts of childhood; reading, learning, playing and exploring.

The library is located in a recent addition to the middle school that was added 5 years ago. Being one of the few public/school libraries in the state puts them in a unique situation. The library serves not only the general public but also students ranging from preschool through graduation. The Walkervillle community is a small close knit community that is involved in the lives of the children partly due to a shared library. This arrangement is very positive for the community. The school spirit that students have promotes a positive library spirit that then transcends into community spirit. Coming to the library gives non-students the opportunity to interact with the younger generation and remain informed of school events. The library posts the daily student announcements and student newspaper clippings for all to read.

The library has several services specially designed to help the school students. With library funds, they support and administer the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. The library has over 5,126 AR quizzes and purchase books and materials for the AR program. The students are encouraged by the program as they receive points for each quiz that is passed. This is the eighth year the library has supported AR and teachers and the library staff have seen positive results - children are excited about reading.

Another service the library offers is story hours. On a weekly basis students come to hear stories in the “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” reading area. As reading themes and seasons change, Clifford is decorated. March is Reading month and the library is using the theme “Up, Up, and Away.” Clifford is surrounded by balloons, butterflies, and a plane.

Students are the majority of library users, but non-student use is increasing thanks to a public awareness campaign that library Director Debbie Trussell is conducting. Each week the local newspaper prints library information and the library has evening hours for the general public. When a new patron registers, Debbie takes time to talk about all of the services the library has to offer. Right now they have two public computers, but this spring the library will be getting 10 new computers through a Wireless Internet grant that was awarded from Casair, Inc. When the project is final, Library hours will be extended during the week days and on the weekends. The library also has Fax and copy service. One of the most unique and well used pieces of library equipment is an Ellison machine. The machine makes die cuts and is utilized by school staff, non-student patrons (especially scrapbookers), homeschool parents, and students.

Debbie Trussell is the sole staff member of the library, and loves her work. She started working for the school as part of the preschool program, and three years ago started as Director of the library. Her favorite part of the job is “seeing the students”.

The Walkerville Public Schools Library has formed relationships with their patrons where they offer much in books and services, and in return the Walkerville community is given much in return; by watching and observing students they are reminded about the basics of life and their importance. We salute the Walkerville Public Schools Library for all they have done for their community and are proud to have them as a member of the Mid-Michigan Library League.

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Mid-Michigan Library League- 210 1/2 N. Mitchell- Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 800-968-0046 Fax: 800-968-3297

Website design: Holly Mercer
Last Update: March 29, 2007