Ever walk into the library media center (LMC) at school and need some help finding a book? Our library media specialists Sue Douglas and Laurie Bauer are always waiting to assist eager students at Parker. Both have worked in middle schools in Janesville.

Bauer and Douglas also love to teach new skills and help students.

“I enjoy helping students with the research process. I love teaching them skills they can use for the rest of their lives,” stated Bauer.

“Each day is different, and there is always something new to learn,” added Douglas.

What did they do before they became library media specialists? Well, Bauer was a business teacher and also taught keyboarding to 4th and 5th graders. She was a business teacher at Burlington High School. However, her first job out of college was at York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois. She finally become a library media specialist after working alongside a librarian in the elementary schools. “Their job looked interesting so I went back to school after earning my master’s degree,” added Bauer.

Douglas, on the other hand, started teaching right after college. “I wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten. I enjoy working with people.” stated Douglas.

“I love teaching in the LMC because I work with all grades and all subject areas.” added Douglas.

How many people work in the library? There are a lot more than two. There are two LMC clerks, Ellen Hackbarth and Naomi Martin, and three peer assistants. We also have a reading/writing specialist, Mary Newton.

So if you are ever in the Parker LMC, feel free to ask questions to the LMC staff. They are more than happy to help students with a smile. If there was anyone more informed and knowledgable, it would definitely be them.