The process for selecting classes for 2021-2022 is underway, but while certain courses are mandatory, librarian Chelsea Hamilton is trying to find a few students to take a class period as a library aide.

“Library aide is an opportunity for students who love to read or enjoy the library to be able to spend more time with what they enjoy,” Hamilton said via email. “Library aides get hands-on experience organizing and shelving books, chances to express their creativity in decorating the space, and have a place to call their own.”

Currently taking a course as a library aide, junior Avery Sutera likes working with Hamilton.

“Mrs. Hamilton is an amazing teacher. She’s constantly getting new books for the library and will talk to us library aides about what we might want added in,” Sutera said via email. “She’s very kind and laidback, and always willing to anyone in need of help.”

Besides organizing and decorating the library, shelving books, and helping people, students can explore and experience new concepts with an advantage.

“Students can build relationships with other students by recommending books based on interests, as well as broadening their own reading horizons,” Hamilton said. “As a library aide, students get first dibs at all books coming in the library and are more familiar with the catalog than other students.”

In order to become a Library Aide, students must meet specific requirements.

“Being a library aide can be either one or two semesters, and you must be a 2021-2022 junior or senior,” Hamilton said. “If you will be a freshman or sophomore next year, you can volunteer in the library in the mornings.”

For senior Armann Coleman, being a  Library Aide has benefitted him in ways he didn’t foresee. 

“I’ve never realized the time it actually takes to organize the library and I gained respect for the time and dedication librarians spend reorganizing and shelving books. It’s also helped me find books that have been helpful for essays I’ve had to write,” Coleman said via email.  “On the plus side, I find books I never realized I would enjoy or would have ever sought out.”