At school, balancing academic work with creativity can be a challenge; but thanks to Library Aide Mrs. Maria Wirbel and Library Media Specialist Mrs. Wrenn Nicodemo, the library offers students both. The library goes beyond being a quiet space for studying, it is a place full of different activities that bring students together in new and fun ways.
Mrs. Wirbel loves organizing special events. She has hosted events that range from scavenger hunts to seasonal games. Each activity created has its unique traits, giving students something to look forward to each time.
A standout project that has recently grabbed attention is the “creepy baby” display for Halloween. This scary doll is hidden around the library in different spots each day and has become a favorite among students. Mariana Mesmer ‘27 appreciates finding out about special events like these.
“My friend and I were walking down the hallway, and when we saw it we did a double take,” Mesmer said. “It was really funny and made us laugh all the way to class.”
Without these unique and fun activities, the library would not have the same feelings of excitement. For Mrs. Wirbel, the best part is seeing students interact with the different projects that she has worked hard to create.
“It makes me happy seeing students interact with the events I made,” Wirbel said. “Especially creepy baby.”
These creative displays show Mrs. Wirbel’s commitment to making the library what it is today, an enjoyable and inviting space. She is in the library throughout the whole day, and when she is not assisting with book checkouts or loaner Chromebooks she is working on a new idea for the library. Chloe Stevenhagen ‘25 is one of the many who appreciates the work that goes into these events.
“They’re very engaging, and it makes me happy to see that Mrs. Wirbel’s creativity is being put to use,” Stevenhagen said. “The library wouldn’t be the same without it.”
The hard work put into the library is noticed by more than just students. Student aides like Mrs. Bostic, who helps out during the seventh period, notice the impact of these events.
“I love seeing different students come down and look at the various events taking place in the library,” Bostic emphasized. “It’s great to see all the different students interacting with each other.”
In addition to fun activities, the library is kept up to date with different seasonal decorations. Whether it is crows and skeletons for Halloween or a Christmas tree made out of books, she makes sure the library is welcoming. Right now, there’s a game taking place called “Is it a Country Star or Poet?” where you have to guess the figure based on certain lyrics.
The library’s success is from Mrs. Wirbel’s hard work and dedication. Along with Mrs. Nicodemo, who also works hard to make sure the library is the best it can be.
Mrs. Nicodemo works for the district, meaning that she is usually going from library to library. When she is at the high school, she is working hard to make sure everything is running smoothly. When she is at a different school, she’s still working hard behind the scenes doing things like ordering different books. She also oversees the Library Teen Advisory Board, which is a group dedicated to making the library an even better place for students.
The library is so much more than a big room with books, and it is all thanks to the creativity of the librarians. It is a special place that allows students to feel welcome and included.
