(Kershaw County)- Kitt Lisenby says she runs the most important part of any school, the media center. "I feel like this is the heart of the school because every child in this school, I see them every day," Lisenby said.
And the Mt. Pisgah Elementary media specialist says it's time for a new chapter in her library.
"Oh Michael," she told a second grader as he was checking out a book, "You got one that's a little torn up didn't you?"
Lisenby is also president elect of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, the group asking for nearly $20-million to replace worn out works across the state.
Including a classic Lisenby found on her shelves, a 1962 bio of Clara Barton.
"I read this book when I was in school here, so it definitely needs to go," she said laughing.
Often age isn't the only reason to replace a book. Some are new, but checked out so often that bindings get worn and fall apart. Or some books are no longer factually accurate. For example, they'll need to replace all the books that say Pluto is a planet in our solar system.
"You have to take into consideration what is current right now, we wouldn't want to keep a book that calls Russia a wrong name, or has European countries named wrong."
But legislators say what amounts to $25 per student is unrealistic. They say media centers don't need the money as much as other school functions. Lisenby says she understands.
"There are lots of things that we could spend the money on but this is something that impacts every child in every school."
She hopes lawmakers will take the time to at least stop by her favorite part of any school, "And see how important books are to the students and to the faculty and to the community."
The House Ways and Means Education Committee would have to first look at the proposed initiative. But at best there would probably have to be some compromise.
2/15/2007 7:56:37 AM
