Albuquerque Public Schools
A Month of Literacy, Learning and Library Love
Celebrating School Library Month at APS.
April is School Library Month, and across Albuquerque Public Schools, librarians are turning pages and turning heads with fun, creative activities to celebrate school libraries' vital role in student success. From scavenger hunts and trivia contests to cozy reading corners and high-tech learning labs, APS libraries are buzzing with excitement—and none more so than the library at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative School.
Librarians Natasha Carty and Camilla Hoehne have turned School Library Month into a full-on celebration for the K-8 community they serve.
“We try to have fun activities all month long to throw a party to celebrate school libraries with our school community,” Carty said.
This year, the celebration includes hiding miniature books around campus for students to find, hosting a trivia contest (do you know how many books Tres Volcanes has checked out since opening in 2018?), and, most notably, unveiling two exciting new spaces for students to enjoy: a tech-forward Specialty Technology space and a welcoming library patio.
“School Library Month was the perfect time to open up these two new spaces to our students,” Carty said. “We had some new spaces and activities that we wanted to highlight. APS Ed Tech gurus gave us Chromebooks, tablets and desktops for our Specialty Technology space, and we were able to meet with them to set up the space and begin bringing our K-5 students in to enjoy the learning programs.”
The newly furnished library patio had been used by teachers, but now it’s open to students as a peaceful reading nook and gathering space.
“We are so fortunate to have libraries and school librarians in most of our APS schools,” Carty added. “Many schools around our state aren't so fortunate. People often think school librarians are just reading books to students and checking out books, but we are doing so much more! We are also teaching students research skills, supporting teachers with information resources, promoting reading and literacy, and creating a welcoming environment filled with books students love.”
APS Director of Library and Digital Library Resource Support Sara Sabol echoed the importance of school libraries and the professionals who run them.
“School libraries play a crucial role in shaping our students' academic and personal success, empowering students to explore their interests and develop essential skills in research and information literacy,” Sabol said. “Our school librarians work hard to foster a love of learning and to create a welcoming environment where every student feels supported and valued.”
Other schools across the district are also embracing the spirit of the month. APS librarians' creativity and passion are helping to create lifelong readers, critical thinkers, and confident learners—one book at a time.