TVA's Library is More Than Books

As you may have noticed from several of our posts about the library this year, we always have fun, creative projects happening there, thanks to the efforts of our librarian, Amy Halversen.

Mrs. Halversen previously served for over 20 years as an elementary teacher at TVA, but transitioned this 2023-24 school year into the role of librarian. Her experience as a teacher leads her to have a different vision for library time than a more traditional approach. Beyond checking out books, she wants to give students opportunities to interact with them through STEM or art projects.

For example, one STEM project Mrs. Halversen coordinated was building snowflakes with the 1st and 2nd graders. They read Snowflake Bentley and then learned about six sided-shapes through a snowflake building activity using marshmallows and toothpicks. 

Mrs. Halversen even plans activities for the kindergarteners to grow their STEM skills as they interact with books. They recently learned about winter animals and read Tacky the Penguin. Then they practiced engineering skills by building hideouts for the penguins with blocks. 

These are only a couple of examples of the many hands-on learning opportunities Mrs. Halversen creates for the students! 

Not only did library time get an update, but also the physical space. Mrs.Halversen thoughtfully renovated the space over the past summer—painting it, updating the furniture, and improving the book organization. She also makes the library an inviting space through warm seating, book-themed decorations, and an abundance of book character stuffed animals.  

Mrs. Halversen’s motivation to create a welcoming learning atmosphere for the students comes from a desire to help the students love books. She shares, “When they come to the library, I want them to associate it with this fun, happy, warm place. That’s my main goal. And if I can toss in a little bit of learning on the side, that’s just a bonus.”