Oct 2006 Editor's Letter
By: Jill Pinheiro

"You may have tangible wealth untold, caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be. I had a mother who read to me." --Strickland Gillian

I have a mother who read to me…and read and read and read. The story goes that when I would fall asleep in the middle of the umpteenth book, and she would stop reading, I would open my eyes and say, "Read, Mama, read."

My mother fostered in me an appreciation for the written word that runs deep and wide. I cherish the unopened book that is brimming full of possibilities, and I savor the finished book, relishing the experience yet also eager to start another one. As such, I am completely enamored with and enchanted by libraries--school or public, small or large. I love being in the presence of so many books.

I hope that you give your school librarian the tools he or she needs to breed a love of books in your students, and I hope that you equip your library to be both a learning center and a fun place to be. I truly believe that your school library is an equally important influence in your students' lives as their classrooms.

Library design consultant Jenna Bradley says, "As educators, you teach both kinds of knowledge. Your media center teaches students to search for information on many subjects from many sources, and classroom lesson plans instruct on specific subjects."

In our special focus on your school's library/media center, you'll find information on designing this area to provide both the basics and some bonuses, as well as using software to automate your services. We round out this section with some great product options to equip this center for the most effective and efficient operation.

As I read to my three young nieces now, from books from my childhood that I "stamped" when playing librarian many years ago, I pray that they find the happiness and solace through books that I have.

I'm always interested in hearing from you. You can reach me at jill@cspmag.com.

God Bless,

Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor