Cracking The New Librarian Code

Columbus School 2nd grade teacher Carolina Madrid was chosen as the new Columbus School elementary librarian beginning this August when current librarian Tamara Irons leaves school.

With 12 years of experience, a son in K5, a passion for books, literacy, kids, and as a bilingual teacher, Madrid met all standards to be successful as the new librarian.

“She is amazing, she is a wonderful human being, and works really well with the students and she has always wanted to be a librarian. In some way she is getting to live her dream,” Tamara Irons, librarian, said.

When the librarian position opened the school received several applications. Each applicant was required to submit an essay explaining why were right for the job, as well as a philosophy of education and a resume. Interviews took place, conducted by principals, vice principals, and the learning center staff who then choose the best candidate. Interviews included 5 to 6 questions on a variety of topics to get more detailed information.

“We had a process here at school, who ever wanted to be part of the library applied, so it is not that we choose her, instead she applied and meet all the requirements. Then the principal, Tamara and some people who interviewed that thought she was the right person for the job,” Ana Mercedes Velez, Elementary School Vice-principal, said.

It was a Friday afternoon at 3:20 when Madrid receive her new position, which is a dream for her. According to Carolina, it is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to her, she jumped and screamed as she received the news.

“As a librarian, you are just trying to buy books and that is your focus, shopping for books, the love of books, selling the kids the books, I think that part I can just focus on that which is something that I love so much. For me it is like focusing on my favorite part of teaching which is literacy and books,” Madrid said.

According to Velez, Irons departure is a loss for school, but Madrid has already started to make plans for library improvements. Madrid is planning to improve the focus on the Spanish language section and services and include both parents and Spanish teachers.

“I am Colombian and American, so I think that is going to help the Spanish part a lot, making the library a place that is bilingual friendly. I kind of want the Spanish teachers, students, and the parents to feel that that part of the library is alive,” Madrid said.

With Pinterest, articles, talks with Irons, coaching cycle with Trisha Nikrandt, and visiting other libraries and TCS library, new librarian Madrid prepares to embrace her new job. As a stable librarian, she hopes to keep improving the library.

“I think it is wonderful because I already know her and she is an excellent human being and hopefully the library has positive changes, just like the ones we had with Tamara,” Marta Ossa, Library secretary, said.

As one librarian leaves and a new one begins, students say they will both miss Irons but are excited to have Madrid as the new librarian.

“I like it a lot because she is very nice and I will be with her until 5th grade,” Elisa Vasquez, Madrid’s student, said.