Written by Neha Aurora
I recently attended the first Contact Period of the Library Educator’s Certificate Course, hosted by Bookworm Goa. I arrived with a sense of curiosity and left, struck by wonder. They say, ‘What you seek is seeking you,’ and never have the words rung truer.
Our week-long interaction provided me with a dual benefit: it helped synthesise various ideas that I’ve collected over time, while also pushing me to explore these concepts more thoroughly, resulting in a profoundly rewarding experience. Bookworm opened my eyes to the true potential of libraries, while the Contact Period revealed the deeper meaning of community.
Every module, indeed every minute of the Contact Week, was meticulously planned and perfectly executed. The course syllabus struck a delicate balance, honoring traditional library practices while embracing contemporary challenges faced by educators in the field. From delving into what makes a reader to exploring reading histories, from the fundamentals of collection development to the elements of the library space, and from innovative outreach programs to understanding the reading brain, each session was packed with valuable insights and practical knowledge.
What really stood out for me was the purposeful integration of pillars such as Daily Activities like Paired Reading or Visual Arts interspersed with Practices like Journaling and Stitching, Key Ideas explored such as ‘Why Libraries’ or ‘Childhoods and their Diversity,’ and Energisers – games to keep us laughing like the very children we hope to reach.
The seamless interweaving of these elements had me enthralled, with the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual sides of me all satiated and in deep harmony. The cherry on the cake was being in the midst of people who reverberated and shared the same energy frequency – from my course teammates to the Bookworm Team – we were in unison.
What set this course apart was its emphasis on intentional hands-on learning. Instead of one-sided lectures, we participated in short units designed to be interactive, as well as group projects and games. One memorable activity involved designing a Library Space from scratch. Working in small teams, we brainstormed ideas, developed action plans, and presented our proposals to the group. This exercise not only honed our vision of a library but also allowed us to learn from the diverse perspectives of our friends.
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to connect with a diverse set of people from across the country – diverse in their field of work and in their manner of applying books to their life. During breaks, we shared our experiences, challenges, and plans for the future. These conversations sparked new ideas and potential collaborations. I left the course with not just new knowledge, but also a network of passionate professionals I can turn to for support and inspiration in the future.
A significant portion of the course was dedicated to exploring creative ways to promote reading among children. We discussed everything from themed reading displays to the key elements of an interactive read-aloud session. A particularly inspiring segment of the programme was our visit to Bookworm’s Community Library in Aldona. There, we had the opportunity to interact with Library Educator Wendy and observe best practices in action. We witnessed Jennifer skillfully conduct a Book Tasting session and watched how children engaged with the library space.
Throughout the course, the passion and expertise of the Bookworm Goa team shone through. Their commitment to making books and reading accessible to all was truly inspiring. They shared their experiences of running mobile libraries, organising literary festivals, and collaborating with schools to enhance reading programmes. Their innovative approaches to overcoming challenges specific to the Indian context were both practical and motivating.
As the contact ended, I realised I had found a new sense of belonging that I was reluctant to leave behind. While my belief in the transformative power of libraries and the crucial role we play as educators in shaping a literate, informed society was rekindled; most of all, I simply wished to soak in Bookworm’s culture of human interaction a bit longer.
Returning home, I’m excited to put my new knowledge into practice. From instituting Library Cards to Book Browsing Games, I’ve started trying my hand at becoming a magician myself! I feel better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
More than just a professional development opportunity, the contact period reminded me of why we do what we do. In a world where information is abundant but not always accessible or reliable, libraries and library educators play a vital role in guiding people towards knowledge, imagination, and understanding.
I’m filled with gratitude for the team, facilitators and fellow book lovers who made it so valuable. Easily the best investment I’ve made in myself and for the communities I hope to serve. Thank you, Bookworm!