Learning: Libraries and More Libraries

I've posted before on library tours, but wanted to make sure that I highlighted the award-winning Heves County library. Jack and I recently were invited to tour the library with Komló Ági, who works there as a system librarian, and her husband, my Institute of Media Informatics colleague Komló Csaba.

The tour was short, but we'll be back! I was asked to write a little note about the visit for the library newsletter--I'll reproduce it here and hopefully be able to add a link to the 'real thing' if it comes out electronically.

For the Newsletter:

People in Hungary seem to really appreciate books. Since Jack and I have been in Eger, we've noticed many bookstores, and enjoyed tours and privileges to borrow books from the college libraries and the American Corner. But we didn't know what a fine county library Heves had until Komló Ági gave us a tour recently. We were impressed by the beautiful buildings, the attentive staff, and the collections, especially the special and local resources, and media materials. As a librarian myself, I can tell you that this facility would be a treasure in our own community in the US, as it is here. Congratulations to the Library of the Year!--Dr. Jane Zahner, visiting professor from Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia, USA.

The only thing that was missing from Heves County Library (besides much needed room to expand!) was the children's collection. I asked Ági about that and was told that the children's materials and programming were in the Forrás Gyermek Szabadidó Központ, a community youth center a few blocks away. As it happened Csaba and Ági were taking their daughter to storytelling and crafts there in the late afternoon and I was invited to go along. Csaba was also going in an official capacity to check on some library student interns doing practicum hours with the children (sound familiar?).

A great place, homey, full of books and seasonal decorations. I'd been making origami cranes lately, and was glad to see a whole ceiling full of them in the children's library. I listened as intently as the children did to the wonderful storyteller. Although I could only understand occasional words, the drama of the story was evident. I'm not sure the metaphor would translate, but she definitely had them "eating out of her hand"! That experience made me think more about my past storytelling and puppetry, and awakened a desire to do that again in the future.

After the storytelling began the crafts. I believe we were to make a fabric collage based on the story. Since I didn't know the story, I cheated, and peeked at the work of kids, teachers, aides, and parents. There was definitely a castle involved, and possibly a goat. Somehow rain, lightning, and aliens entered my work--it was rainy that night, and I am an alien!!!

Much thanks to Csaba and Ági for the invitation--it was great to meet your daughter and see dynamic child-centered learning going on!