St Andrews Lutheran College teacher librarian Barbara Kristo transforms senior’s library into place kids are lining up to visit

This Gold Coast library is now a “no shush zone” after undergoing a dramatic transformation, at the hands of Barbara Kristo.

ST ANDREWS Lutheran College’s seniors library is now a “no shush zone” after undergoing a dramatic transformation at the hands of Barbara Kristo.

Ms Kristo joined the college as its secondary school teacher librarian this year and before the COVID-19 shutdowns she implemented a raft of exciting new initiatives, including a ‘speed date with a book’ for Valentine’s Day.

“This involved asking students to commit to one-to-two minutes of solid reading of a book before making a judgment about whether they would continue on,” said the college’s director of enrolments and community engagement Bonita Jay.

Secondary schoolteacher librarian Barbara Kristo in the “no shush zone” – the St Andrews Lutheran College library. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“It changed the way students began to select books for their own reading leisure.

‘The library is now a ‘no shush zone’ inferring that it is a place for learning, not just silent reading.

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“She has also implemented an esports program at lunchtimes and students involved with the Minecraft Club have been busy working on a potential design for a renovation of the secondary library.

“A Dungeons and Dragons Club on a Friday afternoon has resulted in students not wanting to leave school until 4.30pm. In fact, the library is busier than it has ever been after school and at 7.30am you will often find students waiting for the opening of the doors.”

Ms Kristo, who was a primary-trained teacher, said she was humbled at praise heaped on her by Ms Jay and thoroughly loved her new role as teacher librarian for Years 7 to 12.

“I just felt I could offer more in regards to a love of learning, particularly in regards to curiosity and researching topics,’’ she said.

Secondary schoolteacher librarian Barbara Kristo from St Andrews Lutheran College introduced a “no shush zone”. Picture Glenn Hampson

“If a student comes to find a book on a subject and it’s not there we’ll find videos online or other resources they can use. I really miss the kids, they are why I love my job so much.

“My aim is to help shift their focus and encourage them to create knowledge rather than just consume it. All of my 3D printing fails are on display so I can show the students that it’s okay to fail and that is how we learn.”

Ms Jay said since the COVID-19 shutdowns Ms Kristo had been instrumental in continuing to engage and support both staff and students of the Tallebudgera school.

“Even in a college shutdown she did not let ‘May the Fourth’ go by without organising a Star Wars themed dress up among the library staff.

“It was a wonderful way to bring joy to the students working onsite and from home,” she said.