For Angela Moreno, the library at Central Intermediate School in Ottawa is more than just a room full of books—it’s a place where young minds open up to new worlds, where creativity is sparked, and where, sometimes, a little bit of luck helps bring it all together. As the school librarian for fifth and sixth graders, Angela sees her job as more than just helping students find books. It’s about inspiring a love for learning, instilling confidence, and creating a space where every student feels welcome.

But Angela’s journey to becoming a librarian wasn’t always clear-cut. Like many educators, her career path unfolded in unexpected ways. “I actually started out working in the LAP [Learning Alternative Program],” Angela recalls with a laugh. “I didn’t even know the librarian role was in my future, but here we are!”

Angela worked for several years with students who had unique needs in the LAP and when the librarian position opened up at Lincoln Elementary, Angela saw an opportunity to stretch her skills further and took the leap. And, later, when the librarian at Central retired, Angela stepped up once again. “I was lucky enough to get considered for the transfer,” she says with a warm smile, reflecting on her journey. She’s now been Central’s librarian for five years and has built a space where students can come to not only find books but to experience something memorable.

“You could say I speak for the books,” Angela jokes, borrowing a phrase from Dr. Seuss’s beloved Lorax. And in a time when kids are often glued to screens, her job has never been more important. Angela’s mission is to get students to embrace the magic of reading, but she does it in creative ways that go far beyond typical library lessons. “I like to create a space where kids can have fun,” Angela explains. “We do more than just read library skills books—there are themes, activities, and things change every day depending on the month and what the students are learning.”

The themes Angela organizes bring out the creativity and engagement that makes the library feel like an adventure rather than an assignment. “In December, we do ‘Christmas Around the World,’ where students work in groups to explore different holiday traditions,” Angela says. “Then in April, it’s National Poetry Month, and we dive into blackout poetry. The kids get really into it. They love taking a page of text and blacking out words to form their own poems.”

Blackout poetry is a hit with the students, who relish the chance to create something that’s both personal and artistic. “Some are funny, some are profound,” Angela says. “And, of course, some are done in a rush by kids who just want to get out of the project,” she adds, laughing. Angela’s practical approach means she celebrates each student’s work for what it is while gently pushing them toward more meaningful engagement.

The best part? The students’ creations are put on display in the hallway during Art Week, where parents and visitors can see the artistic and intellectual sparks that fly during library time. “It’s a great way to showcase the kids’ work and let them feel proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Angela says.

Angela’s enthusiasm for creating a fun, welcoming library is rooted in her own experiences as a young student. “I actually moved to Ottawa in the fifth grade,” she says. “And the librarian back then, Mrs. McDougall, was my librarian. She made it fun. She used to bring her dog to the library—a giant Newfoundland! It was the coolest thing.”

There’s a symmetry to Angela’s story that’s hard to miss. Just as Mrs. McDougall once inspired a young Angela, now Angela is working with fifth graders herself, guiding them through their own learning journeys. “I hadn’t really thought about that until now,” Angela says. “But yeah, it’s pretty neat to come full circle like that.”

Angela’s connection to the Ottawa Elementary District goes beyond her professional role. Three of her four children attend Lincoln Elementary, and she’s quick to express her appreciation for the schools her children attend. “My heart belongs to Lincoln,” she says fondly, noting that while Central is her professional home, Lincoln holds a special place because of the experiences her children have had there.

When asked how she manages to spark a love for books in an age dominated by screens, Angela doesn’t mince words. “I try to keep the kids interested by helping them find books they want to read—not just books they have to read,” she explains. “It’s all about making it fun. If it feels like tedium, then we’ve missed the point.”

Angela’s dedication to making learning fun has clearly paid off. Whether she’s helping students master library skills, guiding them toward books they love, or fostering creativity through group activities, she’s making an impact that will last well beyond the school year.

For Angela Moreno, the journey from student to librarian has been filled with unexpected turns. But today, as she watches her students discover new stories and create their own, there’s no question that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.