The Columbus School Elementary Library hired a new librarian this August when Tamara Irons arrived at school to replace the former librarian Crystal Lang who left for Korea.

Though originally from Toronto, Canada, Ms. Irons came to the Columbus School from Maracaibo, Venezuela after a couple of friends who worked at TCS contacted her. Irons loves working with young children and  is an experienced librarian.

“The students are my favorite part of the job. I am grateful for every single day I get to spend with children because they inspire me, make me happy, and sometimes even sad. They fill me up”, said Ms. Irons.

With the help of Marta Luz Ossa, the Elementary School library’s assistant, Ms. Irons expects to accomplish  many goals during this school year. One of their goals  is to help the TCS community be more spirited and united, as well as teaching students useful life skills.

“We also want to ensure that students have the ‘21st Century Skills’ that are required for success in our fast-paced, increasingly digital, global community, and that digital citizenship, scholarly research, and everyday life are seamlessly integrated,” Ms. Irons stated.

The school year just began so Ms. Irons is yet to meet everybody and get to know their personalities, but she loves children and  guarantees she’ll teach them a lot, as well as learn from them.

“We would like to see more elementary students visiting the middle and high school library and more teachers, parents and community members using us a resource, because, after all, we are trying to put the teacher back into teacher-librarian and make the TCS libraries a community-space,” Said Ms. Irons.

Marta Luz, who’s been working in the ES library for over 17 years, has had the chance to work with numerous librarians and she’s noticed a difference since Ms. Irons arrived. 

“With Ms. Irons in school the library has a happier and comfortable atmosphere,” Marta said.

Children from elementary school usually go to the library every other week, and since Ms. Irons is the librarian in charge, she has a big impact on them and their learning.

“My favorite part about going the library is when Ms. Irons reads to us!” José María Estela, K4 student, said.