Welcome to our Librarican™ Spotlight series, where we take librarians out of the stacks and into the spotlight and shine a light on what makes them true reading heroes.
Through a partnership with INFOhio*, we were introduced to the self-proclaimed tech geek and traveler who especially loves visiting libraries wherever she goes and talking to other librarians. She also happens to know both library worlds, having started in the public library and then merging her two passions of libraries and teaching to become a school librarian. Meet district librarican™, Angela Wojtecki!
Who are you most starstruck by?
Angela Wojtecki: I am obsessed with the British Royal family—especially the Queen, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle.
What are your go-to fun facts about yourself?
AW: I enjoy anything related to paranormal activity. I have traveled to England two times and was able to spend a week studying all things library at Oxford University a few summers ago. Thanks to the magic of technology, I also discovered a few years ago that my grandfather, who was stationed with the U.S. Army in World War II in England for a time, carved his name and home city of Akron, Ohio on a stone pillar and I actually went there to visit and see it for myself. He never spoke about the war, so this was all news to our family we learned about after his passing.
What is a mind-boggling fact you read about recently?
AW: A student actually shared this one with me: the sky is actually purple. It appears blue because of the way our eyes work.
What is one object you can’t live without at your library desk?
AW: Post-it notes...preferably pink ones.
How have you pivoted professionally during the pandemic?
AW: I have focused more on long-term projects that I have wanted to accomplish over the years. I have also been reflecting more on how I can work with my teachers more on larger collaborative projects. And I am proud to say I am working with my amazing library staff on increasing the diverse book selection in our school libraries.
Which book character would you trade places with in a heartbeat?
AW: Anne of Green Gables—I love her ability to stay positive, brave, and be who she is without reservations.
What is something new that you just tried?
AW: Bubble tea, and I am obsessed!
What is the one book you can read over and over again?
AW: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
What do you like the most about being a librarian?
AW: I love that every day is completely different and I am able to work with students in a variety of ways whether it is about technology, library, or simply talking about life. They say “love what you do and do what you love.” I absolutely love what I do!
What made you want to become a librarian?
AW: I worked in my local public library throughout college while I was obtaining my teaching degree. It dawned on me one day working there with some children that I could merge my two passions of libraries and teaching and become a school librarian. I never looked back!
*Ohio educators and librarians can access Scholastic Digital resources such as BookFlix and Storia through INFOhio, Ohio’s PreK-12 digital library.
Visit our Scholastic Librarians page on Facebook to learn more and connect with our librarian community!
