International acclaim for school library
A mix of authors, librarians, and literary experts were welcomed to Somerville Intermediate recently for a tour of the school’s library.
The visit was part of the 35th IBBY International Congress, which brings together people from all over the world that are involved in children’s books and reading development.
The biannual congress is run by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and was held in Auckland from August 18-21.
As part of the four-day series of lectures, panel discussions, seminar sessions and workshops, delegates also visited public and school libraries.
Tour leader Wendy Macaskill says: ’’It’s so people can see interesting school libraries and the way they contrast from what they are used to in their own countries.’’
Andrew Medlar, from the Chicago Public Library, says his first impression of Somerville Intermediate’s library was of an open, happy, enthusiastic learning place.
‘‘The library was so busy and clearly well loved and everyone was happy and engaging in so many different things,’’ he says.
‘‘I was so excited to see so many familiar books and also to see new ones I’m not familiar with.
‘‘One of the things I want to take with me from this trip is learning about some of the New Zealand authors and illustrators that it is clear the kids here love.’’
Helen Sigeland, director of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, says the major difference from Swedish school libraries is the atmosphere.
‘‘I didn’t know what to expect, but you can feel the atmosphere when you enter the doors.
‘‘The children were allowed to