Every year, some books at Kearsley High School simply disappear. The well-loved ones, read and re-read until they fall apart, are a testament to the joy that great stories can bring students and teachers alike year after year. A process every English teacher strives for. However, there are others. Books that vanish after a single read, or worse, those forgotten in the far corners of the school, never to be opened again. These books are our focus today as we explore the impact of these disappearing novels, and why our English teachers here at KHS continue to buy more. 

I asked English teacher, Mrs. Sierra about this yearly phenomenon, “Dozens of books go missing each year.” She admitted. “In addition to those that we have documented and have a card for, there are all the books that walk away because they don’t check them out properly even though we monitor them.” 

Another English teacher, Mrs. Gibson agreed with her, “I have 50 students, but last year 15 to 20 books went missing.”

Both teachers seemed sad about the number of books lost, and we went on to talk about the consequences for both them as well as students. I asked Mrs. Sierra who pays for the books that go missing, “The students have to pay before they graduate, but we really pay for them. We turn in a list of charges, and if the student pays it goes toward the general fund so we still don’t get the book back. So if I want that book in my library I have to go out and buy it again.” She responded. 

The process seems tedious, but both teachers remained passionate about the importance of keeping their libraries stocked. Mrs. Gibson had this to comment, “I think we have a diverse population, and we need to hear from multiple voices. It’s important that during their (students) independent reading time they get to read something enjoyable. It’s important that they have choice.” 

Speaking to these teachers it soon became clear why the yearly disappearances don’t stop them from going out and purchasing books again. English teachers here at KHS truly love reading, and as they try to educate their students in grammar or reading comprehension their true desire is to share this activity they adore with their students. So, while our teachers will continue to support KHS students in finding a book to enjoy, they ask that we all be gentle with them and be sure to return them on time. This way these amazing stories, whether informative or imaginative, can continue to be passed from student to student for many more years to come!