Sunday, April 15, 2007

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.

11 comments:

Tammy Brierly said...

I love your tenacity Jone. :) I'm glad you had a fun weekend. Wonderful!

Tammy Brierly said...

I think Fiona is one heck of a human being with a heart of gold. ;)

Crafty Green Poet said...

Lovely story, and good outcome too!

Unknown said...

Bravo. Glad to know Fiona is looking out for those kids.

all over the map said...

Brilliant! I love Fiona, and I love this! Actions speak louder than words, tis true, and I believe the compassion will be remembered and passed on to another.
Our children deserve the very best.

p.s. You should receive your journal via fedex on Monday. :)

rel said...

Jone,
I know that Fiona is and has, and will make a difference in many children's lives. I know from experience that most of them will remember Fiona for the rest of their lives with love. She sets a fine example for all of us to follow.
rel

Laini Taylor said...

Jone, this is wonderful and moving. All the more so having seen the library and a few of the kids there. Fiona is one wonderful fairy!

gautami tripathy said...

As I cater to students from the so called lower strata I know how they feel about books. Now the education dept provides free books to all the girls studying in the govt owned schools. I am speaking about Girls School run by the Delhi Adiminstration.

I liked your post.

lissa said...

Fiona is doing something wonderful. It's too bad there aren't many like her. Nice story.

Patois42 said...

And what will Fiona's next gig be, I wonder? Surely she won't be content to hang out in fairy world. Great piece. Great acts of kindness.

Marcia (MeeAugraphie) said...

Fiona rocks, and kudos to the district for putting the value of reading in first place.