Mary Hawes has spent the past twelve years shaping the library experience for students at Potosi School District. Her official title is “Library Aide,” but the role she plays is far more important than that title suggests. She teaches students how to find books, use the Destiny catalog, and build essential media‑literacy skills. Just as importantly, she helps them discover a love of reading. “If I can help a student find that one book that makes them excited to read,” she said, “then I feel like I’ve done something meaningful.”
Her journey in the library began in 2012. A lifelong reader, Hawes was immediately interested when her friend Mrs. Siegert mentioned an opening. “I remember thinking, ‘This is it. This is where I can make a difference,’” she recalled. After submitting her résumé, she realized the position offered exactly what she hoped for: a chance to support students in a space designed for curiosity and learning.
From the beginning, Hawes wanted the library to feel welcoming. “My goal was always to create a place where students felt safe exploring new ideas,” she said. Some of her favorite moments are when a student suddenly connects with a book or concept. “When their eyes light up, it reminds me why I love being here.”
Her first year, however, wasn’t without challenges. She had to learn new systems quickly while working with groups of students with a wide range of reading levels and personalities. “Some days were a whirlwind,” she admitted. “But even on the hardest days, seeing kids excited about reading made everything worth it.”
Hawes often reflects on the teachers who shaped her own school years. “I had teachers who truly saw me,” she said. “They made me feel capable, and I never forgot that.” Watching her own children move through school reinforced her belief in the importance of caring teachers. Those experiences continue to guide the kind of educator she tries to be.
If she could speak to her first‑year self, Hawes would offer a few simple pieces of advice. “Be flexible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And keep your routines simple,” she said. She also believes strongly in giving students room to explore independently. “If we want them to become confident thinkers and researchers, we have to let them try things on their own.”
Over the past twelve years, Hawes has helped hundreds of students discover books, ideas, and a love of reading. She has created a library environment where students feel encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. “I just hope they leave here knowing that reading can open doors,” she said. Her presence continues to shape our school community in meaningful, lasting ways.