FROM THE NEWS DESSC | ARTICLE
BACK TO BOOKS AND BEYOND Tracy Ammoury and Rachel Hunton | DESS Librarians
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very famous children’s author, Eric Carle, passed away last month, leaving behind a lifetime’s worth of creating incredible children’s books, the memory of which will be preserved forever in our homes, bookshop and library shelves. His most famous book – The Very Hungry Caterpillar - is a great analogy to use when thinking about the last year in the library. The Caterpillar metamorphoses through various stages to miraculously come out completely different, but even more beautiful than before. It could be said that everyone, including the library, has undergone its own transformation in the past year. The abrupt end to face-to-face learning in term three of last year prompted a complete re-think of our library service and provision. Overnight we became tech wizards, Zooming and Teaming, Seesawing and Clipping. We recorded books online (abled by the softening of literary copyrights for children’s books) and linked the children to online book recommendations and resources. And here shines out the first of many silver linings. Across the world, publishers and authors came out in their droves to provide free online book resources, readings and activities. There was a camaraderie
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FROM THE NEWS DESSC
in the literary world that had never been seen before. Publishers and authors’ websites sprung up, bursting with book activities and extracts. Twitter was alive with the buzz of new resources and book readings by so many amazing children’s authors. The book world pulled together, supporting and helping our children who were suddenly found themselves locked in their ‘home schools’. Reflecting the mood of this time, authors turned their pens to writing about what children were feeling and experiencing. Lockdown prompted a realisation and recognition of the importance of books and reading in children’s lives. The role of reading goes far beyond AR quizzes and schemes – it is a safe haven, a quiet corner for the mind, and a much-needed relief from blinding screen times. Whether it be the last book at bedtime, something to do together or a bit of special, quiet, alone time, reading can provide comfort and security in an otherwise confusing and scary world. Books leave wide open spaces for our imaginations to fill. Perhaps we also reached for something familiar and comforting during these times, a return to the past, before technology and highspeed reels and trends.
