Julie Stivers, the librarian at Mount Vernon Middle School in Raleigh, NC, has been named the 2023 School Librarian of the Year. She has been creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for the students who fell behind or were left back for a variety of reasons. Stivers has spent nine years building a collection that reflects the community of students and their interests, fostering a love of reading along the way. She also runs in-person and virtual clubs and community reads, and frequently checks in with families to make a difference through personal relationships. In addition to Stivers, two other finalists were named for the award: Melissa Corey and Karina Quilantan-Garza. The School Librarian of the Year Award is presented annually by SLJ and sponsored by Scholastic. The award recognizes the exceptional use of technology and print materials to engage students in learning while sparking new ideas within their school and community. The judging panel comprised last year’s winner, K.C. Boyd, SLJ editors, Lizette Serrano of Scholastic, and Marcie D. Rice Ed.D.
Julie Stivers Named 2023 School Librarian of the Year
Julie Stivers, the librarian at Mount Vernon Middle School in Raleigh, NC, has been awarded the prestigious title of School Librarian of the Year for 2023. This alternative, public, academic-recovery school librarian has been creating an environment that is both welcoming and inclusive for students who have fallen behind or been left back for various reasons. Stivers has spent nine years building a collection that reflects the community of students and their interests, fostering a love of reading along the way. She also runs in-person and virtual clubs and community reads, and frequently checks in with families to make a difference through personal relationships. As co-chair of the school’s equity team and grants coordinator, she is an integral part of the school community.
Stivers was one of three finalists for the award. The other two finalists were Melissa Corey, the library media specialist at Robidoux Middle School in St. Joseph, MO, and Karina Quilantan-Garza, the library media specialist at Jaime Escalante Middle School in Pharr, TX. The School Librarian of the Year Award is presented annually by SLJ and sponsored by Scholastic, to honor K-12 library professionals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional use of technology and print materials to engage students in learning while sparking new ideas within their school and community.
The judging panel comprised last year’s winner, K.C. Boyd, SLJ editors, Lizette Serrano of Scholastic, and Marcie D. Rice Ed.D., who is the principal at Meadowbrook High School in North Chesterfield, VA. SLJ Editor-in-Chief Kathy Ishizuka expressed her appreciation for this year’s nominees and award winners, highlighting the critical role of school librarians in supporting young learners.
In conclusion, Julie Stivers’ exceptional work has earned her the title of School Librarian of the Year for 2023, making her an inspiring example for all. Her dedication and commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for students is a testament to her passion for helping children learn and grow.
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