At our school, students no longer have to make their way to the library to find a great read. Thanks to the innovative mind of the school’s librarian, Ms. Cannon, the Satellite Library Cart has become a mobile version of the library, making books available to students during their language arts classes.
In a recent interview with Ms. Cannon, she shared how the idea originated: “The idea came from another librarian. I follow her blog, and I saw that she was having success with it. Since many of our English teachers are incredibly busy, and it’s not always possible to bring students to the library, I wanted to make sure they still had access to books.”
To make sure teachers were on board, Ms. Cannon sent out a survey, and about ten teachers agreed with the idea. “That’s when I knew this could work,” she explained. “We started buying carts, and from there, it just grew.”
How it Works
The Satellite Library Cart isn’t just a random collection of books—it’s personalized for each class. Ms. Cannon personalizes the selection based on the interests of both teachers and students. “I send out a survey to the teachers to find out what they need. Some like to align the cart’s books with classroom themes, while others prefer high-interest fiction or graphic novels,” she explained.
Easy Access for Students
Borrowing books from the cart is simple. Each cart features a QR code that students can scan to check out a book. “They can scan the code, or I can send a link to the teacher, which is posted in the classroom,” Ms. Cannon said. “All they need to do is fill out a quick Google form, and they’re good to go.” There’s no stress about deadlines, either. “We don’t have late fees or a strict return time. I just want students to read and enjoy the books without any pressure,” she added.
To give you an idea, just last year about 40 books were checked out. “It sounds low, but a lot of students just read the books during class” Ms. Cannon explains.
A Lasting Impact
Now in its third year, the Satellite Library Cart initiative continues to grow, giving students a convenient way to access books. Ms. Cannon regularly updates the book selection every six to eight weeks, based on new teacher surveys and student interests.
If a student wants more access to books but can’t get to the library, Ms. Cannon has some simple advice: “Talk to your English teacher. Convince them to get a satellite library cart for your class. It’s an easy way to bring more books into your life.”
This initiative is a great example of creativity and can overcome challenges, giving the opportunity for students to have the chance to dive into a good book, no matter where they are in the school. This shows the importance of a simple idea and the power it holds when converted into a great initiative.
If you’re interested in seeing a Satellite Library Cart in your class, be sure to let your English teacher know!
