Chapel Hill Elementary lit up with literary spirit this April as the school celebrated School Library Month, thanks to the creative efforts of media specialist Cameron Sheldon. Throughout the month, Sheldon transformed the media center into a hub of appreciation, storytelling and community engagement.
To kick off the celebration, Sheldon partnered with several local businesses that generously donated snacks and other food items, which she delivered to teachers as a thank you for their support of the library.
“It was a great way to show our appreciation and also spark some excitement about the month,” she said.
In another heartfelt initiative, teachers were invited to write quotes describing what the school library means to them. These quotes were then displayed throughout the media center, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the celebration.
“Reading the teachers’ thoughts reminded us all why the library is the heart of our school,” Sheldon added.
The media center also featured a special, curated display of books centered around libraries, reading and storytelling—encouraging students to explore new titles and celebrate the joy of reading.
Perhaps the most engaging aspect of the month was the daily book talks recorded by teachers and shared during morning announcements. These short, enthusiastic overviews of favorite books sparked student interest and led to an increase in library visits and checkouts.
“School Library Month at Chapel Hill Elementary proved to be more than a celebration,” Sheldon said. “It was a community-wide reminder of the power of stories and the important role the library plays in students’ lives.”