Librarian Spotlight: Janice Alpert from Lynnfield, MA
Librarians know a ton about books — and we love learning from them. With this in mind, we’re spotlighting librarians to hear more about their jobs, and of course, their book recommendations! This month we spoke with Janice Alpert, a librarian in her 20th year as the Library Media Specialist at Lynnfield High School (LHS) in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. She is the winner of the 2019 Massachusetts School Library Association’s Peggy Halisey Lifetime Achievement Award, and she created the LHS Student Helpdesk program and the LHS Makerspace. She is extremely interested in integrating technology into teaching and learning, and enjoys working with young adults and teachers. Her passions include emerging technology, reading, movies, cooking, and spending time with her family, her two golden retrievers, and her cat.
What do you love most about your library?
I love that my library space and program are always emerging and changing based on the needs of the students and staff. Because of social emotional issues, I created a “relaxation zone” with Rubik’s Cubes, adult coloring books, crossword puzzles, and sensory and stress relieving items. I love showcasing student work: There is a sonnet written by a student created with vinyl letters running down the library ramp and student projects displayed wherever there is room. Continue…