Thereasa Gwinn, Lamar CISD
Role: School Librarian
District: Haygood Elementary School / Lamar CISD
Location: Fulshear, TX, USA
District Enrollment: 49,000 students
School Enrollment: 800 students
As School Librarian at the new Haygood Elementary School in Fulshear, Texas, Thereasa is building a library program from the ground up. She is focused on creating a welcoming, student-centered space that helps young readers grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
In Her Own Words
What is your role, and how long have you been in it?
“This will be my second year in the position of school librarian.”
What’s your favorite part of being a librarian today?
“My favorite part of being a librarian is witnessing students’ growth. Watching them become more independent, build confidence in their abilities, and discover the joy of reading reminds me every day why I love this work. There is nothing quite like seeing a child light up when they find a book with which they truly connect.”
How has your library program changed over the years?
“Since my school opened last year, my library program is still growing. At the same time, I was learning how to be an elementary librarian after years as a secondary teacher. My biggest focus has been creating procedures, figuring out what works, and making changes when needed. This summer, I reorganized the biography and nonfiction sections to make it easier for students to browse and find books on their own. As our school grows, expectations are growing too. Students want more independence in finding books, teachers are looking for more collaboration opportunities, and I am working on systems that make the best use of our fixed/flexible schedule. My goal is to build a library program that is easy to use, supports learning, and encourages a love of reading for all students.”
What is the library’s most important responsibility at your school?
“I believe the library’s most important responsibility is helping students become lifelong readers and learners. By providing a welcoming space, access to books and resources, and opportunities to build information literacy skills, the library helps students grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. My goal is for every student to feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn when they visit the library.”
What’s one thing about your library program that you’re especially proud of?
“I am most proud of successfully building a library program during my first year at a brand-new school. Moving from secondary education to elementary librarianship while helping open a new campus was a big challenge, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Although there was a lot to learn, I feel our first year was successful. We created a welcoming library environment, established routines and procedures, and built a strong foundation that will continue to grow and improve each year.”
How Destiny Library Manager Helps
What is the biggest challenge that Destiny Library Manager helps you solve?
“The biggest challenge Destiny Library Manager helps me solve is keeping the library organized and helping students find the right books. Since our school and library program are still new, I am also still learning my collection. Destiny helps me quickly locate books, learn what resources we have, track circulation, and identify areas where the collection can grow. It allows me to better support students, connect them with books they will enjoy, and make informed decisions as I continue to build and improve our library program.”
What Destiny Library Manager features do you and your staff/students enjoy most?
“My students’ favorite Destiny Library Manager feature is the hold feature. They love being able to place holds on popular books so they can get their hands on their most wanted titles as soon as they become available.”
Any “hidden gems” or unique ways that you use Destiny Library Manager?
“One hidden gem I love in Destiny Discover is the carousel feature. It allows me to create digital displays that automatically appear and disappear based on dates. I use it to highlight books and resources for special celebrations and heritage months throughout the year. It helps keep Destiny Discover fresh and engaging for students without requiring constant updates. I wish more librarians knew about this feature because it’s an easy way to promote diverse books, celebrate important events, and connect students with timely reading recommendations.”
Looking Ahead: AI and Learning from Peers
AI in libraries—are you more excited or apprehensive?
“I’m a little ambivalent about AI. Part of me still remembers Skynet from the Terminator movies, so there are times when the rapid growth of AI feels a little unsettling. At the same time, I use AI regularly as a tool to help me communicate more effectively. I’m naturally very direct and straightforward in my writing, and AI can help me soften my tone and better connect with my audience. Like any tool, AI can be used well or misused. I see AI becoming another resource that can help students and educators learn, create, and solve problems more efficiently. However, just as we teach students how to evaluate websites and use information responsibly, we also need to teach them how to use AI responsibly and ethically. As a librarian, I see an important role in helping students understand when AI can be helpful, when they need to verify information, and how to use it as a support tool rather than a replacement for their own thinking. My goal is to help students become thoughtful, responsible users of AI while continuing to build strong research, critical thinking, and information literacy skills.”
What would you most like to learn from fellow Destiny Library Manager users?
“As a new librarian with just one year of experience, I’m still discovering all that Destiny can do. I love learning new features, tips, and creative ideas from other users, and I’m always excited to find new ways to better serve my students and staff.”
Just for Fun
You’re throwing a party and can invite five fictional characters. Who’s on the list?
“Well, being an introvert, I don’t throw parties! But if I could choose five fictional characters to be my close-knit friend group, these would be my picks:
- Hermione Granger: If I need research, information, or a solution to almost any problem, she’s my go-to person.
- Iron Man (Tony Stark): The ultimate inventor and problem-solver. Every friend group needs someone who can build just about anything.
- Eve Dallas: My favorite homicide detective from J.D. Robb’s In Death series. With more than 60 books featuring her, I feel like having a detective in the group is always a smart move!
- Alix Watson: The Astral Librarian herself. As a librarian, how could I not want her in my circle of friends?
- Mercy Thompson: She’s intelligent, resourceful, and never gives up when facing a challenge. I’d love to have someone with her determination and loyalty in my friend group.
Looking at my list, I may have a type: smart, resourceful, and independent people who know how to solve problems and help others!”
If your library had a theme song, what would it be?
“I’d choose ‘Get Along’ by Kenny Chesney. The song is about kindness, building connections, and appreciating different perspectives. That’s exactly what I want our library to be. A welcoming place where every student feels they belong, can explore new ideas, and develop a love of reading and learning. The message to be kind, curious, and get along with others is one I hope students carry with them long after they leave the library.”
