Students make a lot of wish lists around the holidays. But how often do those wishes get granted by a librarian? At South Ridge Elementary School, librarian Emily Crawford hopes to make as many holiday wishes (for books) come true as she possibly can.
Crawford’s Make a Wish program lets each student in second, third, and fourth grade wish for a book to add to the school library’s collection. She grants as many of the hundreds of wishes as she can while keeping a careful list so each student whose book wish is granted can be the first to check it out.
Recently, students from a third grade class streamed into the library, and the excitement was palpable from the moment they walked in. “I love the library!” one girl exclaimed as the Ridgefield School District students found their seats. The students’ exuberance reached a crescendo when Crawford explained the Make a Wish program to them. Dozens of hands shot up towards the ceiling while students patiently waited their turn to ask if the books they wanted were already in the library.
Books about axolotls? The library already has two, but several students pointed out that there are others not yet in the library’s collection. The solution? Add ‘em to the list. The Dragon Girls series? The latest book is not yet part of the collection, so a student writes that title down, too. How about a book on Hamilton, the musical? Not in the library, so another student starts writing. The conversation was animated as students asked for everything from horror stories and graphic novels to fantasy and humorous books.
Crawford has worked in six different school districts over the course of her career, and she has had a Make a Wish program at each stop along the way. “It’s a great chance to talk with the kids about their interests and connect with them on what they want to read,” she said. “And since we are discussing their choices as a class, we get to have a good conversation as a reading community.”
The program also ensures that the library’s books accurately reflect the students’ interests. The students are curious about so many things and excited to read. In a season filled with holiday wishes, children are still happy for some quiet time with a good book. And Crawford is thrilled to be able to grant children’s wishes, one book at a time.