Bullying

I loved the post on the YALSA Blog on October 30 on bullying.  One sentence that jumped out at me: 

"What may seem like harmless name-calling during a library program may be a small part of something bigger, and stepping in to put a stop to it can show a teen who is the subject of bullying that there are adults looking out for them."

This is a great point!  The school library is different from a classroom.  It does not typically have the same students day after day.  A school librarian does not have the luxury of observing the same students and their behavior.  It may not be obvious that teasing is part of a larger problem.  School librarians do not necessarily have the same bonds with students as classroom teachers.  However, that does not mean they cannot be supportive to students.  

My hope is one day to work in a school library.  In addition to the regular library expectations, my goal is to make it a space with a zero tolerance policy on bullying.  It is important to make it clear to student how the library and staff view bullying.  Make it clear to students that it is a safe space and one that will support any student that feels he/she is a victim of bullying.  

I mentioned in a previous blog post that being in a school library can sometimes feel like a counselor's office.  I would imagine walking into a counselor's office could be intimidating to some students.  Why if someone sees them?  What would others think?  Especially, if it is a student that has been attacked by others.  The library could be a safe haven for them.  Somewhere that is not obviously a place for those types of issues.  I do not suggest a librarian take on the role of a counselor, but be another adult for students to turn to for help - no matter what kind.