The School Library is not all about books though. Library habits involving book checkout are reinforced to build up habits of responsibility and shared resources. A book that has been lost at home is a book no other child can read except for the child who lost it. We are a democracy here in the library. Students can advocate for themselves by asking for help, by putting books on hold that never seem to be in. Patience is reinforced when books are so popular that the only way to get that book IS to place a hold on it. Civic responsibility is reinforced when children return their books, own up to books that their dog chewed
Access to books should not be solely through the school library. The Indian Trail library is only one portal. As a librarian and parent and general adult in this society, I come to depend on other adults to help their youth too. I expect that adults will help their children get to the public library or to bookstores or find ways encourage students to take control of their own reading. Easy ways for children to become active participants in reading is to exchange books with other students or to find a little free library in their neighborhood.