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OUSD Featured Library: Allendale
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Florinda Pablo Juan has been the librarian at Allendale for the past three years. Many of the 400 students walk to school, which is centered in the neighborhood between Fruitvale and Maxwell Park. Nearly half the students are bi or multilingual, and the school offers K-3 Spanish bilingual classes. We interviewed Florinda about her work at Allendale Elementary.
What do students call you?
The students call me “Ms. Flor.”
What is something you’d like folks to know about your library? What makes it unique?
One important thing is that all students are welcome, regardless of where they’re from or what language they speak. There will always be a space for them when they need to be alone or take a break.
What is your favorite thing about working at Allendale’s library? How do you see it enriching students’ education?
Our library’s ultimate goal is to help our students improve their reading skills. Reading aloud to students helps them appreciate different stories. Helping them find the book they want to read or the one appropriate to their reading level helps them be engaged and successful.
What are some of your favorite books to share with students?
Cultural books!
Why are school libraries important to you?
Because my elementary school didn’t have a library, I want to make sure that all Oakland schools have one. They are a source of learning for students and a way for them to come to love reading and immerse themselves in the different scenarios of books.
Tell us about your journey to working at WOMS.
It has been very exciting as I have learned how to help students with their learning and emotional needs. I encourage them to “please read a book.”
What do you remember about your school library?
I didn’t have one!
What are YOU reading now?
Hidden Like Anne Frank: 14 True Stories of Survival by Marcel Prins and Peter Henk Steenhuis.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like walking outside and watching any movie.