To begin the new year with new faces, the Sanger High Library welcomed Nicole Kelly into our Apache book hearth. Since the start of the second semester, Kelly can be found on the right as soon as you walk into the library, and she is available to assist with any help or direction students may need. 

     Before taking the position at Sanger High, she worked at Fairmont and worked her way up. Kelly is a Library Media Technician; part of her role is to come up with Beanstack challenges, works with the Little Apaches, makes fun graphics, and much more.. 

     Kelly moved to Sanger High from Fairmont for a few reasons. 

    “I was ready for a new challenge! I love getting to be a part of students’ educational journey,” Kelly says. 

    Education has always been a passion of Kelly’s, and it started her journey in working with books.

     “My grandmother was a librarian, and my best friend. I felt very at home in a

library my whole life and it just seemed like the perfect fit!,” Kelly says. 

     The library offers a chance for Kelly to express herself by adding good vibes, fun

activities, and lots of joy and laughter. 

     “I love reading, but I also love art. So putting new spins on our social media and displays has been a fun added bonus!,” Kelly says. 

     The other librarian, Cris Dahill, says Kelly brings a fresh and unique perspective to whenever they plan anything.

     Dahill met Kelly during a Library Department meeting at Sanger West back in Fall 2023.

      “I do believe that Ms. Kelly brings a level of extraversion that not only I lack, but something that is needed on our site.  Her book recommendations for students are different from what I (or Ms. Alaniz) would suggest – and that is welcomed,” Dahill adds. 

     Ms. Kelly brings a touch of creativity to the library. 

     “I don’t believe that libraries need to be quiet and stuffy! I want to engage

the students and have a community here!,” Kelly said. 

     Elyse Heffron Watamura, one of the senior library aides said, “Ms. Kelly has really brightened the atmosphere around here! She’s super welcoming, and has been working to revitalize the library–especially our social media and library displays,” Watamura says. 

       She adds that, “the most important thing a librarian can do for students is just be as welcoming as possible! Ms. Kelly is always very cheerful when greeting students and assisting them, which makes the overall student experience even better.”

       Kelly’s favorite thing about being here is working with the students and the atmosphere of the school.

       “Everyone has been so welcoming and I feel like this school and library have really started to feel like the community I’ve been craving! The community that has been built on

this campus is unparalleled. The pride, heart, and determination of the entire school has already left its mark on me,” she says.

      Reading books comes with the territory of being a librarian and Kelly reads about 2-3 books a week. 

     “I have recently gotten into audiobooks and that has drastically changed my statistics! I read 7 books this last month!,” she adds.

    Kelly believes that recommending any book depends on the student but she shares a few of her personal picks consisting of mystery and thriller. 

     “My go to recommendations right now are: In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware or The God of the Woods by Liz Moore and with today’s current climate I recommend Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, 1984 by George Orwell, or The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins,” says Kelly.

     Kelly adds that knowledge is our most valuable and powerful resource right now. 

     Dahill offers a piece of advice to Kelly for starting her journey at Sanger High. 

     He says, “Just continue to be present and cultivate the relationships that are forged.” 

     Kelly is so thankful for the opportunity to do what she loves at a school she feels very passionately about.

     Kelly says, “Becoming a librarian and helping students everyday has been the joy of my life. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity. Please remember that as librarians we are here for you!! Bring us recommendations, ask us for help, or just come hang out! We would love to see you in the library!”