Hello! My name is Joanna Marek, and I believe in the power of summer! As an elementary school librarian, I see the benefit of continued learning over the summer months for all our students. Over the past 10 years, I have worked to create a sustainable summer open library program in our K-8 school district in Illinois. Opening the school libraries in our district during the summer has had a positive impact on our school community in both quantitative and qualitative ways.
The potential of the summer months is as golden as the sun’s rays. Summer is a valuable time for students to spend engaged with learning, but research shows students often experience a summer slide of knowledge. Open the school library during the summer and create an additional access point for learning. The resources of the school library are ready and waiting; the next step is to open the doors and welcome in the learning community.
Joanna Marek 