Casey Bowles is in year 18 in education – all at Richardson West Junior High. This is year two as the LITE at West.
“I benefit greatly from a fantastic reading and language arts department at West that works hard to instill a love for reading in every student,” Bowles said. “Junior high can be a tough time for many, and the library can serve as a place where every student feels accepted and welcomed and where they can find books that reflect their interests. I want our students to know they are heard, respected, and valued here in the library. I want every student to know that I truly care about them, that I see all as wonderfully unique individuals that each have something special to offer this world.”
Principal Kimberly Kindred models a culture of literacy by reading as much as possible in front of students, asking them about what they’re reading, and even taking their suggestions. She said the West library is the heart of the school.
“It’s a place where students desire to be, teachers love to take their classes, and it’s a place of learning for all staff,” Kindred said. “Casey cares so much about the student experience and ensuring that every kid connects to a book. She is one of the most positive people I know! She can turn any situation into a positive one. We are lucky to have her as our librarian.”
Bowles said the best days are when the library is being used to full capacity in many ways, students working in small groups, teachers meeting together, people checking out books, and everyone simply enjoying the space.
“The library is a wonderfully adaptable place that can be many things to many people, while serving our ultimate goal of growing a love for reading,” Bowles said. “I work hard to learn every student’s interests and find books that will instill that love of reading that can potentially have a definitive impact on their reading and writing abilities.”
