ABERDEEN, S.D. – For Aberdeen Central High School Librarian Mikayla Arechigo, the best part of her job is finding the perfect book for students who are reluctant readers.
“First of all, you found a book that they like, and second of all, they want to keep reading,” Arechigo said. “I think that those are the moments that it’s really, really rewarding.”
This school year, Arechigo and the CHS library were rewarded with the School Achievement Through Libraries Award. This prestigious honor, awarded by the South Dakota State Library, recognizes libraries excelling in three areas: the program, the place and the professional.
“The professional involves making sure I’m taking library classes, being part of an organization where I can get more information about how to integrate different ideas into the library,” Arechigo explained. “The place is both the physical space of the library and the online presence as well. The program would be the activities and the instructional lessons that we’re able to provide.”
Examples of CHS library programs include a bookmark contest; Book Madness in March; and this year, an Olympic Reading Challenge in conjunction with the Winter Olympics.
Arechigo wears many different hats at the library and said there’s more to being a librarian than checking out books.
“There’s a lot more gathering ideas and really trying to promote not just literature but ways to make literature fun,” she said. “Also, as a teacher librarian, I think it’s important for me to get out of the library and into classrooms, and to get classes into the library and have learning opportunities in the library.”
Arechigo co-teaches with CHS English teachers for research lessons and book talks. She also goes into freshman super studies to provide information about the online catalog, and she brings freshmen into the library for tours.
She also proctors tests for dual-credit courses, and she serves as the first line of defense for technology issues with student Chromebooks.
The library also has scientific and graphing calculators available for student checkout, which can help families save money.
“That is something that really speaks volumes to what our district is able to provide for students,” Arechigo said.
It also speaks volumes to the support the district shows for its school libraries.
“I’m very appreciative of how our district values funding libraries and what resources they provide for us to be able to receive this award,” Arechigo said. “It’s not just a me award, it’s definitely a testament to our school, the district, administration, students, and the other teachers who do let me come in and co-teach.”
Libraries are so important in schools.
“Libraries are definitely a big equalizer,” Arechigo said. “Students who maybe don’t have the finances to go buy a book are able to access that information at a school library. … It is the great equalizer of information because of the resources that we can provide to kids.”
To other school librarians, Arechigo’s advice is to always be open to learning.
“It’s such a fluid job where you’re always doing different things,” she said. “Libraries just evolve all the time. Whether it be online catalogues, research resources, and doing Chromebook and technology stuff, you always want to be learning. That’s one thing that books can provide for you. … If you’re always reading, you’re always learning.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.