Each month, we compile a monthly library report that encompasses all that happened in the Library during the preceding month. The following is a brief report of the happenings in the Library, during the month of September. These reports not only allow us to note and record, happenings, changes, events and plans, but also allow us to reflect on what we attempt to do each month, to understand what works and what doesn’t, and to move forward keeping the past, present, and future in mind, and our vision at heart.
MONTHLY LIBRARY REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2018
September, 2018 marks Bookworm’s historic shift from a cosy red house in Taleigao, to an old blue and white traditional building in Mala, Panjim. In the 5 years at Taleigao, the Library has grown in collection, in inhabitants and in its outreach. In the years to come, we look forward to a continued collaboration of books and community and the collective acceptance of the Library as a space OPEN to ALL.
The Library remained closed from 2nd to 17th September, as we shifted space, team, collection and other belongings, and set up in our new space. The inauguration on the 18th of September marked the reopening of Bookworm, at Mala, Fontainhas.
FOOTFALL in the Library:
For the month of September (From the 18th to the 30th), we had 43 walk-in members, visit and borrow books from the Library and 204 walk in non-members, who visited the Library for workshops and various other reasons. There were 7 new memberships this month, and a total of 65 books were borrowed during this time period. 54 new books were added to the collection.
Events/workshops conducted in the library:
- Preschool Morning sessions were held on the 1st, 22nd and 29th of September. Preschool morning sessions (for the age group of 2-6 years), are two and a half hour sessions with various segments such as a story read aloud, word games, songs, individual craft, collaborative craft, a short movie, and theme based snacks that promote early literacy in a fun way. An average of 9-10 children attended these sessions each saturday.
- Zumba Sessions: Two zumba sessions were held in September on the 20th and 27th. Resource person, Sammy Coelho led everyone in rounds of brisk dance moves to the accompaniment of different songs. On the 2oth of September, the PSS group (more on this below) were encouraged to join in with this routine, along with the other children and adults present. The session on the 27th of September, had two adults, 10-15 children and a few members of the Bookworm team dancing to the beats.
- BORDERS: A unit on critical reading: A series of classes on literature and language discussions using children’s and young adult texts, film and activities around the theme of ‘borders’- political, social and emotional. The sessions which began on the 25th of September, will be held every tuesday and thursday (6 sessions), facilitated by Sujata Noronha and participated in by a group of 5-8 children.
Other highlights:
- The Shift: Our last meeting in the Taleigao space was held on the 3rd of September and attended by all team members, all dressed in spring green. The plan for the shift and set up was discussed during this meeting and finalised. 5th of September was the official cleaning day for the Bookworm Team and everyone collaborated to make the new space ready for arrival. The physical shift happened on the 6th of September and the days that followed were spent in set up and preparation for the reopening and for the years ahead.
- Bookworm Re-Opening: Held on the 18th of September, the Re-Opening began with a traditional lighting of the lamp by all four Bookworm teams; Library, MOP (Mobile Outreach Program), LiS (Libraries in Schools), LEC (Library Educators Certificate Course), and the Trustees. Everyone then proceeded inside where they explored the space, the collection and interacted with team members. A family treasure hunt followed, where two large teams raced from one clue to the next. At the end of this, everyone gathered in the hall where a short drama was enacted by the Bookworm team, followed by a brief dialogue on Libraries. The Trustees generously provided drinks and snacks to all gathered and the evening ended on high spirits and the well wishes and blessings of many.
- PSS (Pragat Shikshan Sanstha) group Visit: An exposure visit of librarians from Phaltan, Maharashtra, to Bookworm, took place on the 20th and the 21st of September. 16 librarians came on the 20th and 15 on the 21st. They observed LiS sessions in different schools in the morning and explored the library in the afternoon through a few drama activities, a library tour, and Bookworm presentations and discussion.
- Workshop on Classroom Talk (24th September, 2018): A workshop on attempting to move beyond monologic track of student or teacher talk and develop classroom interactions that are open to students speaking and listening as well as arrive at an equitable balance of talk from teachers. The workshop was facilitated by Sujata Noronha and attended by Dr. Nandita, Deepa, Rhea and Lakhinder, as well as the LiS (Libraries in Schools) team.
- Nhoi: The Goa River Draw: Early this year, Bookworm birthed a project called Nhoi, Goa River Draw with artist Liz Kemp, Architect Rhea D’Souza and the Goa State Central Library. It is unfolding through a series of drawing and story gathering workshops in different parts of Goa through the library network and others to represent sections of the river in images. As part of this project, a presentation and talk by Dr. Prakash Parienkar (Professor at Goa University), on the River Mhadei, was held on the 29th of September, 2018, and attended by a number of participants.
- THE MURAL: Artist Nishant Saldanha began working on a wall mural in the reception room of Bookworm library. This creation is slowly building up and is a joy for both the team in the Library as well as to every visitor who enters. The idea and background behind the mural will be presented by Nishant in a brief interaction on the 6th of October.
- Research Collaboration: Lakhinder Soren, from TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), Mumbai, joined Bookworm for ten days to explore his area of study, ‘What role does talk around stories play in children’s language learning?’, through Bookworm’s sessions with children at school and MOP (Mobile Outreach Program) field sites. At the end of this period, he shared his experience, thoughts and learnings with the larger team.
- Reading with expression professional development workshop: A session on ‘reading with expression’ was facilitated by theatre artist, Rajashree Dutt for members of the LiS team on the 25th of September. More sessions to follow in October.
Thank You’s:
Phuntsok- For some beautiful Tibetan books, the prayer shawl and your continued wishes.
Thejaswi Shivanand: For the book ‘Silent Days, Silent Nights’ by Allen Say and your belief in our library work.
Dr Ferdie: For a collection of lovely colorful potted plants for inside and outside.
Supriya, Anne and Heather: For gifting Bookworm a number of amazing books by Julie Vivas and others.
Elaine Mendonsa: For the book ‘Undercover Princess’ and a microwave oven for our new library.
Rhea: For the prayer flags and postcard from the Spiti Valley.
Pratyush: For gifting us yet another book from the Amazon Wishlist, ‘The Empty Pot’ by Demi.
Neha: For a beautiful potted plant.
Garima and client: For materials to set up our new space and curtains.
Priti Melvani: For photo frames and other items.
