Sunday Scribblings: Secret Identity

Fiona the Fairy Book Mother

I teach at a school where over 40% of students get free and reduced lunch. Therefore, when a child brings a book back damaged or tells me it is lost, it can be a challenge to recover the losses. Until recently, policy was that students with a fine couldn't have another book. Fiona, the Fairy Bookmother arrived.

She has helped numerous students with their fines by finding gently used replacement books via the Internet or from other sources. Sometimes the students work off the fine by helping in the library as well.

The tales of some students sadden Fiona. A child leaves library books behind when they have been placed into foster care or left behind during awkward divorce moments. Is it the five, six, or seven-year-old responsibility to grab the library book during a time of stress? Fiona thinks not.

Sometimes, Fiona the Fairy Bookmother sees a child in need of a book for that “just because” reason. The child’s delight is a wonderful reward.

Fiona’s philosophy is that book replacement or a book giving demonstrates compassion. Fiona hopes that one day the student will remember that act and will do the same.

And it has come to pass that district will no longer withhold library books from students with a book fine. They want books in the hands of students, even if it is just one book while the fine is still outstanding. Good move on the part of the district.

Sunday Scribblings is exploring other secret identities here.