Clare Zinkin, volunteer librarian at Etz Chaim Jewish Primary School in London, recently took part in the Foyle Primary School Library Course. Clare is passionate about inspiring children to enjoy reading and is proud to volunteer at a well-loved school library.
She said: “In the school library in which I’m involved, the pupils speak of the library as being one of their favourite spaces in the school. It might be that they enjoy the light colourful atmosphere, feel that it is a safe space, or just enjoy being surrounded by books.”
Clare was keen to participate in Foyle Primary School Library Course to ensure that the school library is implementing the best approaches to promote reading for pleasure and to gain new ideas to help improve it.
“From fully qualified librarians to those just volunteering, I always feel it doesn’t hurt to keep learning and revising skills and best practices. It was great to complete the course in my own time at home, jotting down notes, printing the additional research articles, and taking time to absorb all the information. It is a good refresher on what works within a school library environment, and gives some great ideas for setting up new ventures.”
The course provided valuable resources, which Clare shared with others at the school.
“There are some brilliant supporting documents, which make excellent resources when talking to parents and staff at school to make sure that everyone is buying into the reading environment. And some great ideas on pupil librarians, author visits and promotion of reading activities.”
“In the end, it’s all about getting the right book into the right child’s hand. Being sure that the children are inspired to read, and become readers for life. Nothing beats the excitement of a child as they come running into the library in the middle of the school day, hungrier for the next book than for their lunch.”