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What place do libraries have in our education system today, considering the rise in Internet-based research? That was basically the same question my husband asked after we had gotten to know the other folks sitting at our banquet table. The setting was the University of Kentucky's graduation dinner for new librarians. He was not trying to stir up any trouble but was honestly asking. To many of us, we welcome that question because it gives us the opening to help open others' minds to all the treasures found inside a library whether it is an academic, public or school library. The holder of the treasure chest's key is the librarian. There are a lot of misunderstandings about the role of a librarian. And, from my perspective, the librarian is the key to opening up the treasure chest. My focus will be on the elementary school library (K-5) because that is my area of expertise. So here goes, you asked

I have a poster on my library wall that I live by. The author is unknown.
The more you read, the more you know.
The more you know, the smarter you grow.
The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice,
In speaking your mind or making a choice.

One of the oldest and well-known activities in a library is checking out books. Many books are available on the Internet but not everyone has the hardware to do so, especially in school settings. It is hard to take an electronic book to the beach. What if the batteries die out? Can you highlight and take notes on the side of the computer screen? No. So what book are you going to check out? There are too many choices! A computer doesn't have the personal touch and the guiding hand to steer you to a Zack's Files book or Captain Underpants. A computer isn't able to do the 5-finger test for CeAsia, a 1st grader, to see if she is ready for a Judy B Jones book. And a computer cannot shout out with joy that CeAsia is reading chapter books. Let me help you find a book you want to and can read. This is especially crucial for struggling male readers who may be scared to try. Showing them where the dinosaurs are located or determining if there are any Spider Man books still available is what I love to do best of all because it means they are getting a book they want to dive into.

There is much more to the library than just checking out books. The library is a place to have questions asked, and answers researched and discussed. The Internet does play a critical role here. It is a major source of information but it lacks the interpersonal aspect

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