Who's Afraid of the Library?

Staff -- School Library Journal, 6/1/1999

In the aftermath of the Columbine High School massacre, librarians in the district find themselves in the odd position of trying to reassure students afraid of returning to the library. The kids are fearful because 10 of the 12 students killed in the Littleton, CO, rampage died in the school's library. The bodies of the two boys who police say led the attack were found there as well, apparent suicides.

"Kids across the district have told librarians they're a little nervous going into the libraries, and that really hurts," says Roberta Ponis, coordinator of library services for the Jefferson County Public Schools in suburban Denver. One thing librarians will do to help students feel safe is make sure alternative exit doors, often out of view, are clearly marked, Ponis says. Each library will also develop an evacuation plan.