This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
From instituting reading challenges to spooky book storytelling, Molly Wallner has engaged in a myriad of library improvements over the past two years. Her role extends beyond the walls of the library, as she integrates both media literacy and research skills into the student curriculum.
What made you want to be a librarian?
I chose librarianship because I was like, ‘What are the three most essential things in my life that feel important to me that I would want to do with a job?’ One was that I studied literature in college, and I just love reading, so that makes sense. Then, I love community service. I grew up in a small town, so being a part of a community has always been essential for me. Then I worked at a preschool and I just fell in love with teaching and working with kids. So then I was like, ‘Okay, what jobs combine reading, education and community service?’
What has been your favorite part about working at BHS?
Starting the Student Library Advisory Board has been my absolute favorite thing. We started last year, and it started as a group of ten volunteers, and then we built it up. This year we have almost 20 members. It’s so much fun, and what they’re capable of is so incredible. We started the reading challenge last year, and we’re doing that again this year, and the members always keep me on my toes, teach me things and make me laugh.
What are some things you want to do for the high school community?
We’re well on our way to improving our services that we have and making them the best they can be. For me, what that means is having [the library] be a hub for anyone to get anything that they need. I just want the BHS community to think of the library first whenever something comes up: as a space to host events, as a space to teach classes and workshops and as a support for research. Just being that hub for the school and knowing that when you walk into the library you’ll leave with the thing you need, and you might leave with something that you didn’t know you needed.
What do you want your students to see you as?
I think the main thing I want my students to see me as is a trusted adult that is there to support them through good times and the bad times. I just want the students to feel seen by me. I want them to know that I care about them.
What is your favorite book genre?
Every time I read a book, it’s my new favorite book. Right now, and always, I love thrillers. Young adult books are specifically my jam. I also love historical fiction. I also see I’ve come around to romance recently, and I’m flying through all our romance here.
