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38 Ontario School Library Association Students in the Writer's Craft class at Assumption College in Brantford were asked to bust a few myths about school libraries. Here is a sampling of what they came up with. Justus Alexander When the word "library" is mentioned, most people instantly think of a drab, lifeless hollow, housing the Zombies of Novels, The Queen of Quiets, and the shelves upon shelves of words. Most people find this room to be unappealing, for a variety of reasons. Some don't admire the concept of a silent chamber of knowledge. Some despise the concept of reading as a whole. It's insane to think about the true nature of a school library, though. A school library is akin to a hub, from which you can travel to any universe imaginable. Just around the corner of any shelf is a brand-new adventure, a brand-new scene, a brand-new story. A school library is the perfect place to sit back, relax and escape from our land. We find a universe of cops and robbers, a land of kings and queens, a landscape of a far away planet. The school library opens the doors to these magical places. The school library hands you the key to the multiverses and leaves you in silence to enjoy in awe for as long as you require. Most people assume that nothing occurs in a library, aside from the occasional sneeze. They think school libraries are for nerds and nerds only. Bookworms. Outcasts. When, in reality, the school library is so much more. The school library is a place to hang with friends, to discuss our world today, to discuss a new story thesis. It's a place to discuss the happy things of life, the sad things. The school library is so much more than we're led to believe. It's a cheerful place, available for anybody -- regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, or religion -- to sit, take a moment off life, and live in the now. So, I encourage you, dear reader: go to a school library! Experience the home of books with a fresh perspective. Books can do that for you too. The school library can do that for you. Darrien Bomberry One myth that a lot of people perceive about school libraries are what the teacher-librarian looks like. The old woman who can hardly move, pencils stuck in her hair, smells funny, does not monitor the library and leaves it a big mess. Surprisingly, the reality to this myth is that all teacher-librarians are not the little old lady, but, are like you and me. There are librarians who are young and old, male and female. Not all librarians fit the stereotype. Another myth is that libraries have just books and nothing else. Just shelves upon shelves of reading material that you sign out and bring back three weeks later. Libraries are not all just books. The myth that "libraries just have books" more than likely came about before computers were a thing. School libraries are a getaway from reality and a place to let go of stress. The final myth is that all school libraries are old, smelly and dirty. People believe that the books are dusty from not being read, or that the library is some eerie place only the brave ones go. School libraries are clean and a very pleasant place to be. Teacher-Librarians love their jobs and always put forth 110% effort in keeping their workspace in clean, tip-top shape. I think that students should be more appreciative about school libraries and be thankful they have unlimited access to one. Cassidy Shapardanis "The library just has old books that nobody reads anymore," your friends say to you. Actually, you can tell your friends that the school library has many different features, including wireless Internet, conference rooms, computers, and new books of all genres for you to enjoy! "The librarian hates teenagers," you hear in the hallway. Don't be afraid to intervene in someone else's conversation! Tell them that the teacher-librarian is keeping a calm, safe environment for people to work, study, read and learn! The teacher-librarian loves the teenagers in their school and is always willing to help you find or learn something new if you are unsure. Just ask! "The library is so boring," your sibling says. Let them know the school library is filled with many books of all eras and topics that cover everything imaginable! The school library also consists of separate computer labs where they can browse, research, and learn almost anything they like. "You can't make any noise in the library!" a classmate utters. This is not true! School libraries often incorporate hands-on activities for students on a regular basis, as well as informative and lively workshops. "Who even goes to a library anymore?" your cousin asks. Tell him to check it out, he is guaranteed to find something he enjoys. z Student Writers Debunk School Library Myths