Daggett Elementary Librarian Earns Statewide Recognition

Miranda Quintero is able to keep Daggett Elementary students engaged in the library with a space that is innovative and combines a love of reading with fun activities. 

Her efforts earned her the Media Virtual Presence (MVP) award from the Texas Association of School Librarians. The peer-nominated award recognizes librarians who display excellent virtual presence through multiple avenues.

One of Quintero’s main avenues is her social media, where she shares videos advocating for school libraries. 

“My goal is for people to know what school librarians do all day,” she said. For her, that includes science experiments like hatching chicks, curating diverse literature for all readers, and sharing how she learned to be a good librarian to help others.

Aside from Daggett Elementary, Quintero has been at Versia Williams, H.V. Helbing, Sagamore Hill, and Morningside Elementary as a teacher or librarian. 

Quintero describes Daggett Elementary’s library as a vibrant and thriving community. The community of students, teachers, and parents who see the importance of literacy. Aside from a wide selection of books, the library has a 3D printer, science experiments, and has frequent lessons on different authors and illustrators. 

It’s a librarian’s dream — for the space to be seen as important and a vital part of the school. 

“Libraries are hubs of learning, community, and excellence,” she said. “I implore the public to see beyond libraries as just the ‘book rooms,’ and embrace them as the revolutionary space that they are.” 

April 19-25 is National Library Week, and Quintero is advocating the importance of libraries this week and all year.

“Libraries are one of the only spaces in a school where you can just be without having to meet a standard, get a grade, or accomplish something revolutionary,” she said. “But, I would say that being a reader is a life-changing act, so having a space to become that without the pressures of standardized tests, daily exit tickets, and the like is paramount in schools. When we give students the space to be themselves without labels, they thrive.” 

Southwest High School Librarian is Building Connections

Southwest High School librarian Christine Trammell is showing that libraries are about connection as much as they are about books.

With over 20 years on campus, she’s created a welcoming space where students feel seen and supported. By listening to their interests and curating everything from graphic novels to fantasy, she’s helped dramatically increase book circulation and student engagement.

A former reluctant reader herself, Trammell is passionate about helping every student find the right book, no matter their level. Her library also serves as a safe, inviting place to recharge, connect, and grow.

Beyond the shelves, she supports teachers, leads with technology, and builds community through creative initiatives like her “Duck Drops," where she gives teachers around Southwest High School a themed rubber duck.

For Trammell, the library isn’t just a place, it’s a space where students belong