Meet Mrs. Hoppner, the Librarian at Rousseau Elementary, and discover all the ways a school library helps students learn, explore, and grow!
Have you ever wondered what a librarian does all day? At Rousseau Elementary, Mrs. Hoppner does much more than help students check out books. From teaching lessons to solving technology problems, she wears a lot of different hats throughout the school day. We sat down with her to learn what makes being a school librarian so special.
A Love of Reading
Mrs. Hoppner has loved reading since she was a kid. Growing up with parents who were teachers also sparked her interest in education. While earning her master’s degree, she realized that becoming a school librarian would be a great way to combine her love of books with helping students learn. One of her favorite parts of the job is helping kids find a book they can’t wait to read.
Recently, a fourth grader finally got their hands on a book they had been looking for. They were so excited that they started jumping up and down! Moments like this make her job extra special. She loves seeing her students get excited about books, technology, and learning new things.
What Happens at the Library?
Mrs. Hoppner’s school day starts with getting computers ready, setting up self-checkout stations, and checking in returned books. Then, it’s time for classes!
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade visit the library once every four days. During these visits, they can explore Golden Sower Award nominees, discover new stories, and enjoy various hands-on activities with the library’s resources.
Mrs. Hoppner helps students learn how to find books and practice digital citizenship by learning how to stay safe and be kind online.
Here’s something you might not know: School librarians are teachers, too! Unlike a public library, a school library is also a classroom where students learn important skills they’ll use throughout their education. Students are not only checking out books!
Mrs. Hoppner also helps students and teachers with research, troubleshoots technology problems, organizes books, and helps choose new titles for the library. There’s always something to do.
Finding Your Next Favorite Book
With so many books to choose from, where should you start? Mrs. Hoppner recommends exploring the Golden Sower nominees, which introduce young readers to exciting stories and new authors.
Some of her recommendations include “Outside” by Jennifer Holm, “Experiment” by Rebecca Stead, and the “Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne.
Her favorite section is the picture book area because of its diverse selection and creative illustrations. She especially enjoys books by Pete Oswald, including his Food Group books.
Not sure what you like to read? Her advice is to try different formats! You could read a physical book, listen to an audiobook, or follow along with a read-aloud. Think about your interests, too. Whether you love animals, sports, science, or silly stories, there’s a book out there for you.
Mrs. Hoppner believes reading is an important lifelong skill that opens doors to new ideas and opportunities. Her goal is to help every student discover the joy of reading.
A Place for Everyone
More than anything, Mrs. Hoppner hopes students feel welcome and excited every time they visit the library. She wants them to enjoy their lessons, explore new interests, and leave with something new to discover.
A library isn’t just a room full of books; it’s a place to ask questions, use your imagination, and find your next favorite story! Next time you visit a library, ask the librarian to recommend a book about something you love. You might discover a new favorite!