Library assistant Jen Taylor highlights role of school libraries and extracurriculars in Centennial SD

Jen Taylor, a library assistant at Willdale in Centennial SD, described her 27-year career in librarianship and her nearly 10 years with the district, saying she takes particular pride in helping reluctant readers find books that engage them.

Taylor said she mentors the high school LEGO robotics team, serves as a business mentor for the robotics program and co-directs the drama club. "If I can say to a student, 'I really think you're going to love this book,' and they open it up and get invested in the story, that really makes my librarian heart soar," she said.

Taylor told meeting attendees she began as a volunteer at the Warmer Library and later joined the district staff. She said she frequently hears from former students who continue to read and participate in robotics and drama programs, which she cited as evidence that extracurriculars and library outreach can have lasting effects on student engagement.

Identifying herself as a "Centennial legacy," Taylor said she attended Willdale as a student, met her husband while both were at William Tennant, and has two sons who graduated from the district; her youngest son is currently a junior. She said the district's support for parents, students and staff helped convince her to remain in Centennial SD.

Taylor's remarks provided a personal perspective on the value of school libraries and extracurricular mentors. No formal action or vote was recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.