On Thursday March 16, 2023, MA librarian Carrie Fair received the Library Program of the Year at the New Hampshire School Library Media Association (NHSLMA) annual conference. Carrie Fair has been the Moultonborough Academy librarian for the past four school years. (She joined the district when Etienne Vallee moved from MA librarian to Director of Educational Technology for the district.)
Ms. Fair was one of four finalists for the prestigious award. Director of Educational Technology Etienne Vallee nominated Ms Fair for the award: “The school library remains the heart of the school community. Staff and students are welcomed with open arms, and enjoy spending time in the library.” her selection was based on four pillars which support the library program: (1) Effective collaboration with staff; (2) a robust collection development; (3) amazing makerspace activities; and (4) social emotional learning and teaching.” Ms. Fair works assiduously with all teachers in the school, providing a safe place for them to be, an attentive ear to listen to issues, concerns, and opportunities for collaboration, and a shoulder to cry on when necessary. By design, she never spends a full day in the library. Instead, she makes sure to be in classrooms at least one period a day, and sometimes most of the day. Her helpfulness, her attention to detail, and her energy make her an enviable partner for most teachers, and her infectious enthusiasm and sunny personality means that she is well liked, and teachers appreciate her interventions.
Ms Fair devotes significant time and resources developing a robust collection to address both curricular needs of the various classes within both schools as well as the pleasure reading needs of students. Employing School Library Journal reviews and Kirkus reviews, she compiles lists of books to consider for the library collection, and she readily will add student requested books. The library adds over 400 books a year in multiple formats, including print and electronic. She publicizes the collection, conducts extensive reading advisory, and delivers the right book to the right reader.
Ms. Fair uses part of the library for makerspace activities, and something is always happening. From 3000+ puzzles to glass staining, from building robots to constructing futuristic Lego towers, the library hops to the rhythm of students coming in for pleasure and to learn something new.
Ms Fair worked extensively with the school psychologist, Heather Nelson, to launch and support the “Getting to Y,” a program where our students examine the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and deliver actionable recommendations that can be implemented in our schools to make the environment safer and more conducive to learning. (Learn more about Getting to Y here. Follow Getting to Y on Instagram.)
Ms. Fair will be recognized at the Nh Excellence in Education Awards (Edies) on June 3, 2023.