For the Love of Books
by Marilyn Santucci
Tiffany Clarke and Molly Richter aren’t just friends—they’re dedicated librarians with a shared love of books and a passion for working with students.
Tiffany has been part of the Lester B. Pearson School Board for 22 years and currently serves as the librarian at Allion Elementary and Children’s World Academy. Molly has been the librarian at LaSalle Community Comprehensive High School since 2018.
Both women agree that the most rewarding part of their work is connecting with children and teenagers.
“I found my path,” Tiffany says. “Over the years, I realized I really enjoy working with elementary students. Their joy and enthusiasm are contagious.”
Molly echoes this sentiment: “Whether I’m presenting to a class, helping students before school, or chatting with them at lunchtime, interacting with the kids is the best part of my job.”
Librarians like Tiffany and Molly play a vital role in schools. They assist students and teachers with research, help select books that fit the curriculum, and encourage reading by recommending titles that match students’ interests. Beyond managing books, they bring the joy of learning to life through classroom visits, lessons, and one-on-one support.
When asked whether they’ve noticed a decline in reading physical books, both Tiffany and Molly said the opposite is true.
“This generation wants physical books. They prefer them,” says Molly. “At first, it was surprising given how much technology is around us. But publishers are releasing books with beautiful covers, and students love collecting them.”
“Children, in particular, really enjoy pop-up or 3D books that are vibrant and colorful,” Tiffany adds. “They want the full experience of holding and exploring a physical book.”
Students not only look forward to library periods, but they also frequently ask when they can borrow the next volume in a trilogy—or whether a specific book can be ordered for them to read. They can choose from a wide range of genres, including romance, manga, fantasy, and more, ensuring there’s something to spark everyone’s interest.
“The library is where I spend most of my time. Most mornings, you will find me there. It’s really comforting. A library is more than just reading. It’s where you can socialize and be yourself. That’s why you have a library—you can find something that really speaks to you and spend your free time reading something you enjoy,” says Blake Chan, a student at LCCHS.
Through their work, Tiffany and Molly inspire a love of reading, foster curiosity, and help students discover the power of stories—one book at a time.
