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Why School Libraries Matter: Insights from Williamston's New Librarian

Why School Libraries Matter: Insights from Williamston's New Librarian

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In the latest episode of the Hornet Hive podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis introduces listeners to one of Williamston Community Schools' newest and most passionate staff members: Alexis Thune, the new elementary librarian. This engaging conversation provides a unique window into the crucial role school libraries play in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and building community. Alexis, who moved from Iowa in 2019 when her husband began graduate studies at Michigan State University, brings both teaching experience and heartfelt enthusiasm for books to Williamston. She shares how her love for literature and libraries guided her back to education, describing the new librarian position as her "dream job." Alexis's genuine excitement to help children discover the joy of reading shines throughout the episode. One main theme is the importance of libraries as spaces of exploration and imagination. Alexis notes that "these kids are getting free books to read. They don't have to pay a thing for them," underscoring the library's unique ability to expand students' worlds at no cost. She passionately defends libraries as "one of our best assets as a society," offering children the chance to discover stories and perspectives that both reflect their own experiences and introduce them to new ways of thinking. Another central point is Alexis's personalized approach to motivating students—by getting to know their interests and connecting them with the perfect book, whether it's Minecraft guides or stories about axolotls. She emphasizes the value of creating a welcoming, safe space where every child feels confident to explore new ideas. The episode also explores how technology is reshaping the library experience. Alexis highlights the importance of e-readers, audiobooks, and even closed captioning as new ways for children to engage with reading and the written word, reflecting the dynamic, evolving nature of modern school libraries. Collaboration also takes center stage, with Alexis expressing her readiness to work closely with teachers and parents. She invites families to ask their children about the books they're reading and to get involved as library volunteers—a tradition she's eager to continue. If you're passionate about education, literacy, or community, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn more about Alexis Thune's vision and the transformative power of the elementary library. Her excitement is infectious, and her message is clear: together, we can inspire the next generation to love reading and learning. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:20]: Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you with us this week. As always, I thoroughly enjoy having an opportunity to talk to you about the amazing things that are happening in our schools. And as a part of that, I love being able to introduce you to the staff behind the scenes, the people that are working with our kids on a daily basis, because I know not everyone in our school district you will have had a chance to meet, and that includes some of our newest staff that have joined the district. And today I've got another great guest with us. Alexis Tuney is with us today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:00]: And Alexis is our brand new elementary librarian. And for many of you who have had kids in the elementary schools, I am sure that one of the high points of their week is an opportunity to go to the library to get books, to be really engaged with reading. And Alexis is our new person that's going to be leading the charge and working with our kids in that way. So I'm really excited to have her here today and to introduce her to you and for you to get to know her a little bit better. Alexis, thanks so much for being here today. Alexis Thune [00:01:33]: Absolutely. Thank you for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:35]: It is my pleasure having you here today. And I guess first and foremost, I really want to turn it over to you for you to tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to education and specifically what brought you to this role as a librarian. Alexis Thune [00:01:48]: So fun fact about me, I'm actually originally from Iowa. My husband and I moved to the Michigan area in 2019. He's going to grad school at MSU, so we're staying for that here. And then I just really fell in love with teaching. It's what I originally went to school for. I changed majors a bunch of times and then, ironically enough, ended up back in teaching. I've got a bit of experience teaching art in second grade, but my true passion has always lied with the books. I've always loved the library myself. Alexis Thune [00:02:16]: I'm a bit of a bookworm, so getting to have that opportunity really to provide that for the kids is really kind of my dream job. Not to be too corny about it, but it just, it makes my heart so happy to see...
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