Jess Starr has been librarian at Ruakākā School since 2022.
Jess Starr has been librarian at Ruakākā School since 2022.
For years the Ruakākā School library served as a classroom. But when the opportunity arose for a passionate someone to revitalise the space for what it was designed for, Jess Starr jumped at the opportunity.
The school’s library re-opened two years ago. Its restoration started when Starr stepped intothe role of librarian and resource manager.
“As soon as the bell rings there are kids bursting through the door,” she said.
When Starr started in 2022, the library was being used as a classroom where the bookshelves were pushed against the walls and the area was crowded with desks and chairs.
She got busy reinvigorating the library catalogue by requesting new titles and ensuring more te reo Māori representation.
Starr described her position as a rewarding one where she considers herself the “cool aunt”, who works hard to connect kids with books wherever possible.
“All of the kids have different levels of reading abilities. It’s about finding a happy medium of comfort but also trying to expand their horizons.”
Whether it’s a graphic novel or a 200-page title, she is “stoked” if a book is in a child’s hands.
Starr said during this digital age there are more options for reading online but libraries will always serve a purpose.
“I think there’s something about standing in a space among bookshelves and that kind of physical connection.”
