Celebrate School Library Month: Amy Heikes, High School
As April unfolds, so does the celebration of National School Library Month, a time to recognize the invaluable role of libraries in fostering knowledge, curiosity, and literacy among students. With that recognition, Hermantown Community Schools is highlighting the work of our library clerks, who help cultivate a love of reading within our students and assist students with projects, papers, technology, media and so much more.
HCS talked with Hermantown High School Library Clerk, Amy Heikes, to get insight on the library and her favorite part about her role.
What is your favorite part about working in the High School library?
"I love everything about my job! Getting students and staff excited about reading by helping them choose a perfect book brings me joy. Celebrating a National Day everyday, participating in collaborative projects and hosting events creates a sense of community in our library. You’ll find teenagers reading, doing schoolwork, enjoying coloring pages, playing games, and solving puzzles together. It’s refreshing to watch them interact and take a break from screen time. The library/media center is the heart of our school!."
What are the top five books checked out from the library?
"Romance, Mystery and Fantasy are popular genres, and Non-Fiction interest is picking up!
The Inheritance Games, Belladonna, The Way I Used To Be, Divine Rivals, and Just Like the Movies are a few top titles. "
What are your top-three favorite books?
"It’s hard to limit this to three!
Remarkably Bright Creatures, Lessons in Chemistry, and Demon Copperhead are my most recent favorites."
What is something about the library that people may not know?
"Our library space has more than a few hundred books displayed on carts. There are over 9,000 titles stored in a room with a compact shelving system everyone should see!"
Anything else you'd like people to know about the High School library?
"During the 2017/2018 school year, 180 books were checked out and circulation has gradually increased. Over 2,000 books are checked out each year at Hermantown High School now!"