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God created SJCS Librarian, Nicole Nesdahl, a connector. “I’m a connector. I love connecting students to books, each other, and God.” Elementary library classes begin with meaningful rituals: a squirt of hand sanitizer, student-led prayer, and candle-lighting. “We light a candle as a symbol of God’s presence. The light reminds us that God is with us and sets the tone for sharing our stories together.” As Mrs. Nesdahl reads books to her students she connects their lives to the story. Questions like “Is there such a thing as good luck?” or “Who can explain what a lightning bug looks like?” give students a chance to get into the text while sharing their own experiences.

This year Mrs. Nesdahl initiated new library opportunities for students and
teachers. Many students entered the bookmark contest. Four winners (Joey, Elizabeth, Sofia S, and Lauren S) will have their Micah 6:8 bookmark creations published for SJCS library visitors to enjoy. Middle school students applied for a new library interns position. Nine participants now meet twice a month to train on library procedures and connect with each other over books. Mrs. Nesdahl chose 1 TImothy 4:12 as the library intern theme verse. “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in life, in love, and in purity.” She sees the entire process of interviewing, working side by side, and growing in Christian community as part of the library’s mission to form wise decision-makers and engaged citizens. Over the summer Mrs. Nesdahl and many volunteers automated over 4,000 titles to a new library book checkout app. In addition, Mrs. Nesdahl started library cart support for teachers where she gathers books on particular topics for teachers to use as classroom resources. Take a moment to stop in the library, meet Mrs. Nesdahl, and thank her for the many ways she is leading our school in a love for God, desire to learn, and commitment to serve.