Libraries are the heart of the school, opening minds to new worlds while helping students rediscover their own. April is the dedicated time for schools and students to celebrate the essential role libraries play in education.
Earlier this month, Westwind Elementary and Willow Bend Elementary got creative in their celebration of National School Library Month. Drawing inspiration straight from the shelves, both campuses surprised their media specialists with thoughtful, book-themed tributes.
At Willow Bend, the student council decided to write and illustrate their own book titled Librarians and the Book Monster. The student-authored book tells the fantastical tale of librarians defending the library from a book-consuming monster.
Elisa Gonzales, the Willow Bend Student Council Advisor, explained that the students came up with the idea of writing a book for their media specialist and library clerk.
“I am so proud of the kids for doing this all on their own and how creative they were in their story,” said Gonzales. “Our Librarians have helped spark their curiosity and love for books.”
The Librarians and the Book Monster will remain in the Willow Bend library for all students to enjoy, serving as a lasting reminder of just how special the library can be and what it means to students
At Westwind, the entire school surprised Media Specialist Angela Howard and the Library Clerk Mercedez Cortez by dressing up as their favorite book characters. The students and staff organized a book character parade with Howard and Cortez leading the procession. As they made their way through the halls, students who were dressed as characters joined the parade, creating a joyful and memorable experience for all.
From Harry Potter to The Giving Tree, students and staff dressed as their favorite characters, celebrating their love of reading and showing appreciation for the people who help nurture that passion. Howard expressed that this thoughtful gesture meant the world to her and her library clerk.
“It was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do and the meaningful impact our library can have,” said Howard. “Leading the parade alongside my library clerk, with joyful students joining us one by one, was an unforgettable experience. I’m so grateful to the teachers and our principal for planning such a special celebration.”
As Media Specialists, these Frenship staff members serve the entire school community in meaningful ways. From helping a student discover a book that sparks their imagination to providing teachers with literary and digital tools to enrich their classrooms.
“I believe the library is a place where lives are transformed,” said Howard. “It's more than just books—it's a space where curiosity is nurtured, creativity is encouraged, and every individual is supported on their learning journey. When reading is seen as something joyful rather than just a task, students are more likely to seek out information and approach problems with creativity.”
Howard explained that the role of a media specialist extends far beyond maintaining a library. They research and explore new technology tools that enhance student learning while offering time-saving solutions for teachers. At the heart of their work is fostering a love and understanding of reading, which serves as the foundation for all learning. When students develop a passion for reading, they cultivate a lifelong skill that contributes to success in every subject.
“Instilling a love for reading is one of the most powerful gifts we can give students,” said Howard. “It sparks imagination and creativity, opening the door to new worlds, while also building empathy and understanding through different perspectives.”
During National School Library Month, students and staff come together to show their appreciation for the exceptional library staff. The celebrations at Westwind and Willow Bend are a testament to Frenship’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and recognizing the dedication of its staff. Through their efforts, media specialists ignite a love for reading, opening doors to new worlds and equipping students with a lifelong skill that drives success across all subjects.