Above, Lori Littlefield and some of the regular lunchtime crowd pose in the newly reenergized library at Mt. Abram Regional High School. Pictured are (front, left to right) Lori Littlefield, Samm Woodcock and Raven Riendeau, (middle) Dylan Reynolds, Sidne Pray, Kristin Trenholm, Dorothy Hinkley and Sylvia Bachelder, (back) Ridge Romanoski, Kevin Crockett, Devin Littlefield, Delani Littlefield, Jordan Burton, Justin Robinson, Jordon Tripp and Nick Vickers. (David Hart photos) SALEM -– When Superintendent Quenten Clark looked into alternate ways of managing the library last year, he hit a grand slam when seven-year faculty member Lori Littlefield came forward to help.

Clark explained that Littlefield, as well as some other staff members, were willing to take on the library without jeopardizing their current responsibilities as teachers and advisors.

The results not only strengthen the Mt. Abram High School Library but produce savings for the district.

Littlefield is also in the process of becoming a certified librarian, a requirement for all Maine districts. A Master’s of Library and Information Science would compliment the Bachelor of Science degree she already has. She has also taken additional post graduate courses for multiple certifications for a wide array of instruction.

Taking on new responsibilities does not lessen what she has done in the past and will continue to do for MTA. She still teaches Computer Technology, she’s the Yearbook and National Honor Society Advisor, and now the half-time librarian. She’s also certified for K-8 Elementary Education, as well as Gifted & Talented for grades K-12.

Starting with rigorous physical work last summer, Littlefield reorganized and cleaned the entire library. This involved removing the complete collection to facilitate such things as rug cleaning and restructuring shelves. She removed outdated and broken computer equipment, and eliminated what she calls unwanted or unneeded clutter. This created much needed floor space for a more inviting feel for the students and staff, she said. “I’ve always believed that clutter generates stress.”

The office corner within the library was replaced with a reading corner with super-sized beanbags and comfy camp chairs. Additional plans call for more comfortable seating, painting the walls and working with students to design and create a mural.

Littlefield has a passion for libraries and over her seven years at MTA may have been the most frequent user.

“I spent most of my childhood in a library setting even ‘creating’ homework so that mom would let me off regular Saturday chores like shopping so I could ‘research’ things I was interested in.”

She explained that she feels libraries are a great place to relax, socialize and do homework or to just be there without an emphasis on homework or grades.

“It is a very different much more personal way to interact with students; I get to see more of their interests outside of school and provide moral support as much as reading materials on a regular basis,” Littlefield said.

Science and math teachers Jim Danala and Monica Hedstrom have also stepped in to give up most of their lunch break on blue days to help see the library open more frequently. This is also beneficial to a student needing a quick tutorial during lunch.

With the help of her two colleagues, valuable volunteer parent Deb Buschmann and many student aides, the library is more accessible to students and staff daily.

In terms of new volunteers she said, “I welcome anyone who has a passion for reading, loves working with teenagers, or needs a bit more drama in his or her life. We have it all –-and it really is so rewarding.”

Above and beyond the physical changes made to the library, Littlefield has tackled the core value of any library —the collection.

She said the library’s collection was not as up-to-date as she expected, and said it would cost nearly $200,000 to bring it up-to-date to the highest standards.

“That is not realistic for any library, but we are taking some recommendations into consideration and finding used copies when available.”

“I also forwarded a copy of our database to a library publishing specialist who determines critical needs for a collection.” She said she is combining some of their suggestions with teacher requests for course curriculum, and “teen-friendly” selections made by her student library aides.

She’s looking to acquire the top 100 American Library Association fiction books from the past three years to attract students back into the library. Non-fiction books and more recent, recognizable noteworthy biographies, and some references books were also purchased to help achieve a balance for all reading levels and interests.

She also hosts a “book talk” which is really an interactive activity and something that she may just love the most as a librarian.

“I love sharing, talking about books –-making authors more real to students-– helping students see the similarities between their own lives and those of characters.”

There’s a newly created buzz about the library and she said she hears kids talking in the hallways about what to check-out. During any lunch period, she has between 20 and 45 students who come and visit on a regular basis.

Use of new software has also made finding books a whole lot easier.

She also would like the library to connect with local public libraries so that they can support one another to fulfill student and public needs.

“I have been so lucky to have the full support of my colleagues, our administration and the school board. The faith they’ve placed in my taking hold of the library and making it all that it should be was both an honor and a bit daunting. Now, six months into the process, I couldn’t have planned a better career change,” she explained.

“As much as I’ve loved libraries, I never even thought about becoming a librarian. I’m so grateful that Quenten saw this as a perfect fit for me; it really has been.”

“Lori has capitalized on the strengths of students, community members and staff reenergizing the MTA library. Lori has done an outstanding job and we are fortunate to have someone with her passion for all things library on our staff,” Mt. Abram principal Brenda Stevens said.