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In my two and a half years working as a teacher librarian, my understanding of the space of the library has drastically changed. Growing up, I only used the public library to check out books. Similarly, I used my school libraries to check out books but also for computer labs. Though I’m sure there were makerspaces and programming activities, I cannot recall ever participating in them. Now, working in a school library, I realize how many opportunities I have to create a welcoming, fun space for students. Buffy J. Hamilton mentions that makerspaces encourage participatory learning, which gives students “Opportunities for creating using a variety media, tools and practices” and…

As my understanding of the hyperlinked library grows, I have a greater appreciation for the various ways libraries reach communities. As a teacher librarian, I am always looking for books and materials that don’t just help students academically but that can help them outside of school as well. In “The Healing Power of Books: Using Reading to Address Social and Emotional Needs”, Jessica Klinker writes that books “provide a critical foundation for conversations that extend into political and social contexts and that focus on unity and healing rather than division and destruction.” I found this to be very insightful and helpful for when it comes to justifying my purchases in…