April is School Library Month, a time when we recognize the power of school libraries and school librarians to promote learning and literacy in their students’ lives.

Sidra Cutts-Byrne, Outreach Specialist with NPL’s Limitless Libraries, knows plenty about that. For her – and for the rest of our Limitless Libraries team – the job is not only about putting books into the hands of Nashville students. It’s also about supporting school librarians so they have even more time to do what they do best: connect with their students.

“I could not design a more perfect job,” she says.

“Anything I can do to take stuff off a school librarian’s plate gives them more face-to-face time with kids.”

Gotta Love A Good Book Fair

After working as a high school English teacher for nine years, Sidra left classroom instruction but wanted to continue doing creative, literacy-focused work. Now, a typical day for her might include helping a school librarian organize their collection of books and materials, stopping by a school to introduce popular NPL databases – like Comics Plus or Libby – to a group of students, or stepping in as a support host for literacy-focused events. And yes, in case you were wondering, Scholastic book fairs are still a thing.

“Book Joy”

April is a busy month for Limitless Libraries. They hosted a special Mini Battle of the Books interactive reading trivia competition for Davidson County 5th graders on April 10, are in the middle of their citywide Golden Ticket Book Giveaway, and are planning for their School Library of the Year celebration on April 30. It’s all designed with one overarching goal in mind: encourage kids to read more and use the library more.

“The school library is students’ entrance into the world of book joy, which we hope will continue beyond the walls of the school,” Sidra says.

Research shows that students who read score higher on tests. But, for Sidra, the work goes way beyond the numbers.

“Sometimes when I go to an outreach event, the school librarians get down if ‘not many kids showed up,’ but I always remind them that ONE book, ONE positive association, ONE encouraging adult can have a lasting impact and should be seen as a success,” she said. 

It Takes Everyone

The city’s support, together with Metro Government’s investment in Limitless Libraries means NPL reaches more students — and more school libraries — with access to the best books and materials possible to help lay a foundation for a lifelong love of reading and learning.  

After all, when Nashville’s librarians, educators, students, and leaders work together on these goals, the possibilities are limitless.

Sidra Recommends

Learn more about Limitless Libraries and their inspiring work.