Ms. Nette’s positivity is shown through her contagious smile. photo by Emanuel Morales-Gomez
Now in her second year as a librarian at TJ, “Ms. Nette” has done quite a bit to create a comforting space for students.
Many high school students look forward to a certain time in their school day – perhaps when they get to go to their favorite club or sports practice – but one thing that almost anyone in the school can look forward to is when they get to spend in the school library. Of course, libraries tend to be considered quiet places, generally meant for just studying; however, the school library can also be a place to meet up with friends, read a favorite book, or a retreat to escape the constant social stress of the school day. Whatever the reason might be, the library is a comforting place for those in the TJ community, which is the reason why its librarian, Antoinette Ogunwo or “Ms. Nette,” devotes her time to working in the library.
Even before stepping into the library position at TJ, Nette already had experience working in schools; she worked as a paraprofessional for students with mental and learning disabilities for 17 years. This helped to shape her unwavering commitment to intellectually disabled students. According to Nette, the librarian position is just right for her, as she is not only able to see the students she loved to work with in the past, but she also gets to connect with other students in the building. The library is designed to be a place for students to relax, and having a comfortable environment with a friendly lady like Nette definitely supports that notion.
Our librarian at TJ is someone that has helped to make the school very special, but the way she ended up with the role was a bit unanticipated: “My best friend called me – she works in the pass room – and she informed me that the school needed a new librarian.” She said she took the opportunity hoping to be able to bond with more students, since she knows what she loves to do: support every student, regardless of their diverse backgrounds or needs. Each day, Nette spends her time in the library welcoming students who come in. At lunch, the library is open to anyone who wants to work on homework or hangout by the television or couches. Nette holds a smile on her face for each and every person, adding to the warm atmosphere.
Many students have also commented on Nette’s known admirable personality. She often goes out of her way to make connections with the students passing through her domain. People passing by often will see her laughing with her students, sharing stories and talking about anything from books to personal life. The positivity that she brings to these people each day is very impactful, and it’s clear that her transition from para support to librarian was not just a change in title, but also a desire to touch the lives of students in a new way. Her dedication to everyone at TJ is outstanding.
Although it may be unexpected, Nette is not a particularly avid reader, only generally reading books that can easily grasp her attention. Her favorite genre is nonfiction, specifically biographies, as she cherishes learning about different people on a daily basis. Recently, Nette has been reading educational books, hoping to build on her already extensive knowledge. Not being too much of a bookworm in the library actually gives Nette the chance to learn about new books through her students since she typically doesn’t have her own perspective on these books. This helps her further deepen her relationships with the students each day, as she is regularly granted the opportunity to watch each student grow.
Caitlin Quinney, a class of 2023 TJ alum, spent much of her free time in the TJ library when she was enrolled. When Nette first began working with students in the library, Quinney quickly picked up on the joy and positivity that was brought to the community by the new librarian. “For my last year of high school, I actually felt a lot of comfort going to the library during my off period. Nette’s conversations with the students got a laugh out of me all the time.” Quinney enjoyed her surroundings because Nette was always open to telling her own stories to others, in addition to always being willing to give a listening ear to anyone who needed it.
TJ students are very grateful for Nette’s presence in the library, and the role couldn’t have been filled by a more compassionate, generous, and respectful woman, one who truly loves her job and the students around her. Though Nette only started working in the TJ library in 2023, she has already near single handedly continued to contribute it into a wonderful place to study, hang out, and have a good time, even amidst the hustle and bustle of school.
