Each month, TASL honors school librarians from across the state who deserve recognition for their work. We are excited to share with you more about our February Librarians of the Month.
East TN Librarian of the Month
Name: Laura Posey
Hometown: Tazewell, TN
School: Cumberland Gap High School
School District: Claiborne County Schools
Grades Served: 9-12
What do you love most about being a school librarian?
I love my students! I have the best students. I enjoy building relationships across multiple grade levels. After a few conversations with a student, you have enough information to make good individualized reading suggestions and you can even purchase books you know they will love without even asking. When you establish that bond, then students come in for years for various needs.
What would someone see if they were to walk in your library?
If someone walked in the library, the time of day would effect what you would witness in our library. In the morning, the library may be hosting a collaboration or you may see dual credit students participating in an online class. During third block, you would see Credit Recovery in action. At lunch, the noise level increases because students utilize our Makerspace activities. In the afternoon, there is usually a class, dual students, or something happening.
What are you most proud of regarding your library program?
I am most proud of the atmosphere we’ve created and the life long relationships I’ve established with my patrons.
What advice would you give a new librarian?
Don’t get discouraged. If you are trying to change something whether it be the atmosphere, collaboration, or relationships be patient and keep trying.
If you are willing, please provide us with a favorite activity description that we can share with other professionals.
My favorite activity is assisting with the English IV research papers. Watching the students engage in the research process is rewarding. Seeing the pride in their faces as they turn in their final product makes all the hard work worth while.
Anything else you would like to share?
Establish a support network, it’s vital to your success.
Follow Laura’s library on Instagram @cghslibrary.
Middle TN Librarian of the Month
Name: Mary Davis
Hometown: Cookeville, TN
School: Two Rivers Middle School
School District: Metro Nashville Public Schools
Grades Served: 5-8
What do you love most about being a school librarian?
I love being a school librarian because students have the freedom to choose a book or other media that provides them access to information, entertainment, and a new world in a safe and special place.
What would someone see if they were to walk in your library?
My library is filled with interactive activities, book displays, and fantastic new materials for students to enjoy.
What are you most proud of regarding your library program?
I am most proud of the environment in which students can feel safe, free to explore, and welcome.
What advice would you give a new librarian?
Go with your vision for your library!
If you are willing, please provide us with a favorite activity description that we can share with other professionals.
A favorite activity was our students reading, The War That Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. I created an interactive display for students to connect to real life equestrian tack.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am honored to be the TASL Librarian of the Month!
Follow the Two Rivers Middle Library on Instagram @tworiverslibrary and on Twitter @TwoLibrary.
West TN Librarian of the Month
Name: Karyn Martin
School: Dexter Middle School
School District: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
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