Congratulations to Kate Darnell from Madison Comprehensive High School, for being the OELMA/Rosen September 2023 School Librarian of the Month.

Congratulations, Kate Darnell upon receiving the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month Award for September 2023.  Kate is the library media specialist at Madison Comprehensive High School, Mansfield. Kate received the award for her project to diversify and modernize the school library at Madison. “For over a year,” Kate explained in her application, we have been working on modernizing and diversifying the MCHS Library. When I started at this school last year, I submitted our collection for an analysis on Titlewave. Our collection had an average age of 1998 and 68% of the items were considered "aged" and only 23% of our items were considered to be diverse. I applied for and received a grant from the Snapdragon Foundation for $5990.75 for new, diverse books.”  

“In addition,” Kate described, “We have been working on genre-fying the library. We spent all of last year labeling books with a sticker to identify their main genre. Since school started in August, we have been scanning books into the computer to update their records, as well as rearranging the items on the shelves. As classes have filtered through for library orientation, they have been so excited with the change! They are able to find books much easier, and they are excited to see current, relevant books with characters that they can relate to. We are in the final stages of genre-fying the library. The library is collaborating with some of the art classes to create signs to hang in the new genre sections.”

In her response to hearing about the award, Kate responded “WOW! Thanks!!!! I reached out to Miriam, too :) I am SUPER excited for the box of books. We didn't pass our levy in May, and money is very very tight. The box of books is amazing as a prize :)”

The Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month recognizes one school librarian a month who designs, develops, and implements a collaborative lesson plan and/or programming that empowers student learning. This award spotlights the importance of both the school library community and librarian and the pivotal role each plays in transforming learning throughout students’ K-12 education.

OELMA is pleased to partner with Rosen Publishing for this award.  Since its establishment in 1950, Rosen has offered engaging print and digital books on a wide range of topics that are aligned with the curriculum.  Rosen is also known for its databases and interactive e-books.

Kate  will have the opportunity to select a free set of books for the school library from Rosen Publishing Company.   Shewill also be recognized at the 2023 OELMA Conference.

Consider nominating yourself or another OELMA Library Media Specialist to be considered for Rosen Ohio School Librarian of the month!  The Rosen award nomination form can be accessedunder the Professional Recognition tab. Contact Susan Yutzey (oelma.awards@gmail.com) with any questions.

Congratulations Kate!