Park Avenue second graders navigate knowledge with library literacy

When we think about the essential skills students develop in school, few are as fundamental as literacy. Literacy forms the backbone of learning and is at the core of everything taught at Warwick Valley Central School District. On Wednesday, Park Avenue Elementary second graders learned important skills that complement reading: they dove into a hands-on library literacy lesson!

Understanding how to navigate, select, and use library resources is a key part of the educational journey, and is often described as bridging “learning to read” with “reading to learn.” Led by Park’s library media specialist Matthew Spicehandler, the students learned how to find books using the library’s call number system.

“They’re the unique ‘addresses’ that are printed on the spine of each book,” Mr. Spicehandler explained to the students. The skill gives students the know-how and confidence to go from an information station into the stacks and straight to whatever interests them—a funny tale, a science book, someone’s biography, their favorite author!  

One highlight of their time with Mr. Spicehandler was an interactive activity that turned library skills into fun challenges. Working in small teams, students spun a digital wheel on the whiteboard to receive a call number featuring the letter “E” (the designation for picture books). They also got the first three letters of an author’s last name. Each group headed to the picture book section to find the matching title. Shouts of excitement, a few laughs over tricky author names, and plenty of teamwork as each group completed three rounds

Why focus on library literacy?

Evidence from the American Association of School Librarians shows that hands-on library instruction not only builds information literacy, but also helps kids develop confidence and independence. By practicing e the call number system, students prepare not only for an educational future of research projects, but also begin to develop the life skills needed to find answers on their own. School library programs foster critical thinking and introduce students to the world beyond the classroom.

After the group activity, students were encouraged to browse the shelves and pick a book to check out—many walked away clearly eager to share their finds with friends.

As Mr. Spicehandler put it, “When students know how to find books on their own, they’re building skills that will help them in third grade, fourth grade, and far beyond.”