READING EDUCATION
little free libraries
never checked-in. So before you ransack your house, berating yourself with, “I could have sworn I returned that book. I must be losing my mind,” make sure it isn’t at the library. Step 2. Last Known Location The true crime genre has inspired the next few steps. You can apply some of their investigative techniques to your search. I always start with this one: “Where did you last see the library book?” Granted, the kids usually never remember, which requires you to answer it, but it’s important to figure out since it is almost always there, somewhere, hiding. Step 3. Use a Flashlight This might seem a bit of stretch to use a flashlight like an actual detective, but it works. I found gift cards, earrings, DS games (obviously designed by a childless person who never searched for a pin-size lost one), and library books by using a flashlight. Even in a well-lit room, the flashlight reflects off the item in such a way to help you see it. And, of course, it helps you to see into dark places like under the couch, inside the couch and behind it (books are swallowed up by that darn couch— always check the couch). Step 4. Look Again Do you remember the last time you saw an optical illusion? You tried to see the face, but couldn’t, even though it is right there in front of you. Or when you are staring at the “look and find pictures” and your kid finds the apple in two seconds, yet you can’t see it? The same rule applies here, it is in the
words Megan Handshue location you looked, you didn’t see it, so look again. Trust me it is there (most of the time unless you skipped Step 1 and the book is on the library shelf). Step 5. Least Likely Place You have reached the last step. You have tried all of the above yet you are still are empty handed. You start to panic a little about having to admit to the librarian “the truth” and then you realize, maybe you haven’t searched everywhere. Now it is time to check the least likely place you would expect to find it. I’m referring to under the mattress, inside another book or at the bottom of the toy box (all places I have found lost library books). I realize you don’t want to search these places such as the toy box because it is time consuming and would require you to dump the box of toys and then clean it all up, but you are out of options, it’s either clean or confess, it’s up to you. Hopefully these steps will help you feel less frustrated, more in control and find that pesky library book so the truth can remain where it belongs, concealed. Cheryl Maguire holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. She is the mother of twins and a daughter, and her writing has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings, Parent Co., Mothers Always Write and Twins Magazine.
With 30 locations around the Black Hills, chances are you have seen a Little Free Library or perhaps have one in your neighborhood. The mission of these whimsical “leave a book, take a book” little boxed houses is to build community, spark creativity, and inspire readers. Ted Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin started this non-profit movement as a tribute to his mother–a teacher and avid reader–and is now an award winning nonprofit organization with 60,000 locations worldwide. Anyone can start a Little Free Library by either designing and building their own and registering it online or purchasing a kit from headquarters, adding a few books, and appointing a steward to maintain the library. The impact of the pop-up Little Free Library grassroots movement is only positive, and schools have especially utilized the fixtures as a tool to teach the importance of both literacy and making a difference within a community, all while teaching responsibility. In Rapid City, the Children’s House Montessori appoints their elementary students to maintain the library on their campus. And, the fourth graders at Creekside Elementary in Spearfish recently conducted a book drive raising over 350 books for their Little Free Library!
Black Hills Parent
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