School Library Month: Empowering students to read

Gloria Douglas, the school librarian at Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center, exemplifies the many ways librarians impact their campuses. Douglas began her journey as a teacher and her love for reading led her to become a media specialist, another title for librarians. 

Douglas, who received a master’s in library science from Texas A&M University, is familiar with the culture of Dallas ISD after attending Clinton P. Russell Elementary School, the former Maynard H. Jackson Middle School, W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy and the School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview center. 

Douglas’ goal as a librarian is to assist her students in developing an interest in books that mirror her own interests. She enjoys reading children’s picture books, and she is filled with joy when students admire the beauty in the illustrations. She is often inspired by their curiosity and expands the library’s collection with books illustrated by artists that her students love. 

“Sometimes the students don’t know what book they want until you put it in front of them. We also want students to see themselves in the books they read,” she said. 

At Dunbar, the library isn’t the quiet place most people picture when they think of libraries—it is a space for exploration and creativity.  

“I always tell them we’re not a quiet library,” Douglas said. 

She incorporates activities like yoga, reading and coding to enhance students’ learning. This year, students have created colorful keychains using 3D printers and completed life sized coding challenges, turning the reading space into an interactive zone for technology.  

Beyond fostering a love for reading, Douglas plays a vital role in supporting the campus teachers by curating supplemental materials that align with their lesson plans. She ensures the shelves reflect a wide variety of cultures and topics, exposing students to stories that expand their world view. Using the decimal system, she also teaches students how to navigate the library catalog, empowering them to take charge of their own reading journey. 

“I want students to be able to see someone that looks like them surrounded by all of these books and new topics,” Douglas said.