Dartmouth Middle librarian recognized as finalist for 'school librarian of the year' contest

Aug 26, 2016

Dartmouth Middle School Librarian Laura Gardner is getting national attention in the academic world. Gardner was recently nominated for the Scholastic Library Journal’s 2016 School Librarian of the Year Award.

Nominations were judged based on service to fulfill the needs of students and the school community; creativity in programming and use of content; collaboration with teacher peers, staff, and administrators; demonstrated student engagement; exemplary use of technology tools; and more.

Although Gardner didn’t take first place, she was a finalist, which earned her $500 in materials of her choice from Scholastic Library Publishing. She will also be featured in the September 2016 issue of SLJ.

“I’m honored to be featured in the issue!” she said.

Gardner was recognized for establishing a creativity resource lab in the Middle School’s library—complete with a Lego wall, green screens, Touchcast, and more—and for presenting students with leadership opportunities, such as bringing young volunteers to conferences and committee meetings to present on their work in the library.

School Librarian of the Year, Todd Burleson of Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka, Ill., will receive a $2,500 cash award and $2,500 worth of print and digital materials from the publishing company.