Karlin Gray writes:
I would like to nominate the Staples High School library team as Unsung Heroes.
They’re heroes not for any one big act (though they are certainly heroes who stand up to book banning), but for their everyday acts creating a space that inspires learning, connection, and creativity for our kids.
Four years ago my son started as a freshman at Staples, and I signed up to volunteer in the library. If you’ve volunteered there, you know how much the librarians and paraprofessionals do for our kids.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit our high school library, here are just a few things that I learned about the staff’s responsibilities, beyond managing the organization and circulation of books:
They are gracious hosts. All smiles, librarians Jenn Cirino and Nicole Moeller, and paraprofessionals Chris Harris and Jen Dayton immediately set the vibe as they greet students and assist them with any requests. There is a quiet section in the back for those who want it. They have designed sections for socializing, study groups and computer use too. There are also rooms for classes, and a large Maker station. The library also hosts special events like author visits, and talks with town officials.
Staples librarians Jenn Cirino (left) and Nicole Moeller. Cirino was the Westport Public Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year.
They are tech-savvy. If students need help connecting to WiFi, charging their laptops, printing out their classwork or troubleshooting a broken computer, the library staff is there. Equipment like cameras, video recorders and a 3D printer are available for use. Fun fact: In Staples Players’ production of “Lord of the Flies,” the big conch shell thrown around on stage was printed in the library!
Paraprofessionals Jen Dayton (left) and Chris Harris.
They have our teachers’ backs. The library staff supports Staples’ educators by providing them with necessary resources for their job. This includes space for special class activities, carts of books for their curriculums, equipment for projects, tech training and more. And because teachers are just like us, I often heard them thanking the staff for recommending their last great read.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, librarians encourage students to thank their instructors.
They are creative curators. The book displays at the library rival those of any bookstore’s. Great thought and creativity go into each one, whether for serious subjects like honoring our veterans or fun event tie-ins like March Madness Book Brackets. All aim to catch students’ attention and direct it to the books. And they even sneak reading into bathrooms, by posting snappy little book blurbs inside the stalls.
The Staples Library celebrates March Madness with a “Tournament of Books” bracket (top), and an eye-catching display (below).
They are crafty. Friday Fun Days are when students can de-stress in the library by playing games or doing arts and crafts. I was skeptical, but it turns out that teens really will use their lunch breaks to create a pop-up birthday card, a “May the 4th Be With You” button, or a bouquet of paper flowers — all with the help of the library’s beloved Cricut machine. I was floored by how much the kids love to make and collect the winter gnomes each year (IYKYK). And, in library lore: Once upon a time, one of the sports teams did not receive part of their uniforms in time for a game. The library staff came to the rescue, creating them in the Maker Space!
Staples principal Stafford Thomas, with gnomes he made in the library.
Now that my son has graduated, my time as a volunteer is over. This fall, new students and parent volunteers will enter Staples Library and experience firsthand why we are so lucky to have Jenn, Nicole, Chris and Jen working in our school system. Until then, I hope these unsung heroes have a relaxing summer break (with plenty of time to get lost in a big pile of great books).
Congressman Jim Himes addresses students in the Staples library.
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