You are welcome here!

Megan Huenemann isn't one to shy away from a challenge. Currently working as a half time English, half time Librarian, she serves the staff and students at Norris High School. She's also a level 2 Google Certified Educator.

"My biggest goal for our library has been to make it a welcoming space. I want students to feel like this is a space they can come to do their homework or their research but also a place they want to go when they have some free time."

Megan's solution?
Make them feel like the library is their own. Here's how she does it:

1. A monthly library video featuring displays, a Dewey Decimal section, and library activities makes sure students are current on their library knowledge.

2. Reading incentives - like the Golden Ticket.

​Golden Tickets are placed in new books as well as older books on display. When students find one in a book they have checked out and bring the ticket back to the library, Megan exchanges the Golden Ticket for a treat from the school cafeteria.

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3. From Golden Tickets to Golden Sowers, Norris High students are encouraged to read, read, READ!

​Students keep track of Golden Sower novels they have read on bookmarks that the school library staff initials at checkout. Once a student has read all of the current nominees, they are entered into a drawing for a free book and free frozen yogurt at the end of the semester.

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4. A maker space encourages students to dream big - even in a small space.

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A maker space can be anything you - or your students - want it to be. Megan keeps her maker space flexible and constantly changing to the needs to her school community. 





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Coloring is a very popular activity - especially for the ends of the semester when stress levels run high. If you don't have any coloring sheets, don't worry! Megan says it works just as well to cover the table with paper to make a doodling center.










To help use up some old, weeded materials, the Norris High School Library created a maker space with foldable books. The binder contains directions for multiple book folding options - including the popular arrow and heart configurations. 





If you're interested in starting your own book folding maker space, here is a great Pinterest board to get you started.






The current maker space on display is an origami craft station. Students have an example, step-by-step instructions, plenty of paper, and an example book in case they want to learn more about origami.






Upcoming makerspaces include magnetic tiles and erector sets. Megan hopes to add more robotics and 3D printing in the future.

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5. Ozobots, away!

Speaking of robots, the Norris High School Library has Ozobots available for patrons to check out before school, during lunch, and after school. Each kit features a checklist of items so students can create their own courses and learn through play. 




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It's "great for beginning code and general fun", says Megan. High schoolers can't seem to resist the tiny robots!

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Thanks to Megan, her school library is well on its way to being her students' favorite place. Her knack for communication and involving students in their school library will make a lasting impact on her students and staff. 

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