Celina's new youth services librarian is focused on kids, Celina Record, March 2019

Celina's new youth services librarian is focused on kids Lisa Ferguson, Star Local Media Contributor Mar 26, 2019 There is a new face at Celina Public Library. Amy Staples recently began as the youth services librarian and is working to boost the library’s programming for children and teens, expand its collection of books and materials for youths and redesign its popular annual Summer Reading Program, among other tasks. “I am very excited” about the position, she said. “Working with young people and getting them fired up about reading is my passion. This is what recharges me.” She is also getting to know the library’s young members. “I like hearing what they’re doing. … I like hearing what they’re going through, their day-to-day stuff, what their interests are, what they’re experiencing,” she explained. “It helps me to shape the programming.” Formerly of Saginaw, Staples holds a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis from the University of North Texas, and a master’s degree in library science from Texas Women’s University. She also has a teaching certification as a fourth- through eighth-grade generalist. After a stint student teaching literature to seventh graders, she worked as a substitute librarian at a middle school and went on to volunteer at the Saginaw Public Library where in 2012 she was hired as a children’s assistant. As part of her duties there, she oversaw art programs for teens and managed youth volunteers. In 2014, Staples was one of 18 Library Science graduate students from throughout Texas selected to receive a grant and study online as part of a special cohort trained specifically to serve families with young children. After a year working as a library assistant at Fort Worth Public Library’s downtown branch, Staples for two years served as the youth services librarian at the White Settlement Public Library before joining the Celina Public Library team. “Amy’s passion for children of all ages was evident her first day of work,” said Linda Shaw, director of library services for Celina. “She will be instrumental in defining the library’s commitment to the children of our community.” Staples looks forward to leading weekly storytime sessions beginning this summer. She is also creating programs specifically for tweens and teens. “I’d like teens to know that Celina Public Library is their space, too,” she said. “New programming is currently available for teens, as well as an actual, physical Teen Posting Space,” where they can comment on a variety of topics. She also will implement changes to Celina Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, which kicks off June 7. This year, the program will feature separate reading requirements for students in preschool through completed 5th grade, and completed 6th grade through grade 12. Also this summer, the library will host “Teen Tuesday” programming, as well as family friendly shows and events under the downtown pavilion as part of “Whiz-bang Wednesdays.” “It’s important to me that kids feel relaxed here and that they’re having fun, that it’s a positive experience for them,” Staples said. “The most notable joy of our public library is that everyone can come here and have fun together.”